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Whitehall launches digital ID consultation
Eight-week consultation aims to get the public’s view on how the proposed digital ID system would work, and contemplates introducing a universal unique identifier linked to the ID
The government has launched an eight-week consultation on its digital ID scheme, aiming to seek views on how its digital identity system will be shaped.
The consultation, which was published 10 March, will run until 5 May 2026 and asks the public how the digital ID should be designed, used and still be accessible for those who are digitally excluded.
The aim is to create a national ID to make public services quicker and more secure to access, with a potential to include private sector services, such as gym memberships or parcel collections.
The consultation will gather view from the public on how the system should work, including what security measures need to be in place and which services should be involved.
The prime minister’s chief secretary, Darren Jones, said that people often struggle to interact with public services. “I want to change that and make public services work for you. The new digital ID will make that possible, allowing you to log on and prove who you are to access public services more quickly, easily and securely,” he said.
“Supermarkets, banks and shops have all chosen to move their services online because it delivers a better customer experience and value for money, and other countries like Estonia fully digitised public services years ago. We need to catch up.
“We’re launching a public consultation to let you have your say about how we use digital ID to make public services work for you. We want to build a system that works for everyone. Now is your chance.”
The digital ID is intended to sit at the centre of what the government describes as a move towards “government by app”, allowing users to access a range of public services from one place. This includes tax returns, driving license application and logging in to your HM Revenue and Customs’ tax account.
How to get your identity
According to the government, digital identity could be proven using the Gov.uk App, and would over time include more services. In addition to being used to access public services, the digital ID could be used across the wider economy in situations where identity verification is required, such as as age verification or commercial identity checks.
According to the consultation, it could even be used for those under 18. While the current proposal is aimed at 16+, the consultation asks whether the minimum age should be lowered to 13, or removed entirely, meaning citizens would have a digital ID from birth.
However, the consultation implies that the design will allow individuals to share only the data required for a specific transaction – for example, confirming that someone is “over 18” without disclosing their full date of birth.
Alongside the consultation, the government has published images and videos of a prototype showing how the system could operate. Under the plans, users would be able to log into the Gov.uk App and verify their identity digitally, removing the need to repeatedly submit documents or contact different departments separately.
The digital ID would typically be stored on a compatible smartphone or tablet, likely within the Gov.uk Wallet. It is expected to include core identity details such as a person’s name, date of birth, nationality and photograph.
However, according to his answers to a select committee hearing on 5 March 2026, Jones said he’d rather give the public control: “What I want to try to achieve is that you get more control over your data than you do now, and more control over your data than you might do with private sector companies, so that you are in control and there is transparency.”
Unique identifier
The consultation is also looking at the option of introducing a single unique identifier, linked to the digital ID and Gov.uk One Login, to match data across government systems.
The strategy said the government is exploring what information is needed to better link public services. Currently, people in the UK have multiple identifiers, such as national insurance, NHS and passport numbers.
“This means we cannot know when it is the same person accessing different services. Without this, it is very difficult to match people across services so they can be delivered in a personalised and efficient way,” the consultation said.
“We are considering developing a universal unique identifier (or similar approach) tied to the digital ID and Gov.uk One Login, to enable consistent reference across government services. This will be key to delivering next-generation, digital public services in the UK. This identifier would not need to be visible or used outside the public sector, and we are exploring providing it only to those choosing to use the digital ID. “
The digital identity system is due to be available for basic identity checks by the end of this Parliament. The responses from the consultation will inform the design and creation of the digital ID system.
Read more about government and digital identity
- The UK government’s recently announced digital ID scheme aims to curb the prospect of work for undocumented migrants, along with claiming benefits for UK citizens and legal residents. However, are the threats to our personal data worth the risk?
- The Home Affairs Committee hearing on digital ID reveals consultation is due next week; there will be no central database; and while government wants to build the system in-house, it will not replace private digital ID providers.
- Last year, the UK government announced ambitious plans for a national digital identity scheme, but will 2026 lead to more disenchantment or new excitement?
