A digital driver’s license?
In May, it was announced that the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is working towards launching a digital version of the driving license.
Currently, the prototype is being tested on the Apple Wallet app on iPhones. The Wallet app is already available and allows users to store credit cards, debit cards and even boarding passes for holiday.
Although it is not available in the UK yet, the US state of Iowa and New South Wales in Australia have already trialled the digital license. In the southern American state of Louisiana, legislation is already being pushed through the state House to allow drivers to download a copy of their license on to their smartphone as well.
In my opinion this is a great idea, one that will make our lives a bit easier at least. We have all been caught out at least once trying to buy something and the customer assistant asks for ID but the card is hiding in another bag at home. Has anyone tried to buy spoons lately? This is one of the many odd purchases that requires ID. This way, you’ll only have to worry about keeping your phone charged to be able to access your license.
This also helps to minimise the use of fake IDs which are prevalent in the UK, and identity theft will become more difficult to commit.
The only problem is what would happen if your phone was stolen. However, in this instance most people are quick to ask their providers to shut down their phones. Just don’t go leaving your phone on a pub table anywhere!
We all know how it is when we’re trying to find the paper companion to our driving license, and the flash of panic when it’s not in our usual “safe place.” Luckily, the DVLA has announced if we are able to download a copy of our driver’s license, it is to be used alongside the card copy rather than as a complete replacement.
Currently, the prototype is being tested on the Apple Wallet app on iPhones. The Wallet app is already available and allows users to store credit cards, debit cards and even boarding passes for holiday.
Although it is not available in the UK yet, the US state of Iowa and New South Wales in Australia have already trialled the digital license. In the southern American state of Louisiana, legislation is already being pushed through the state House to allow drivers to download a copy of their license on to their smartphone as well.
In my opinion this is a great idea, one that will make our lives a bit easier at least. We have all been caught out at least once trying to buy something and the customer assistant asks for ID but the card is hiding in another bag at home. Has anyone tried to buy spoons lately? This is one of the many odd purchases that requires ID. This way, you’ll only have to worry about keeping your phone charged to be able to access your license.
This also helps to minimise the use of fake IDs which are prevalent in the UK, and identity theft will become more difficult to commit.
The only problem is what would happen if your phone was stolen. However, in this instance most people are quick to ask their providers to shut down their phones. Just don’t go leaving your phone on a pub table anywhere!
We all know how it is when we’re trying to find the paper companion to our driving license, and the flash of panic when it’s not in our usual “safe place.” Luckily, the DVLA has announced if we are able to download a copy of our driver’s license, it is to be used alongside the card copy rather than as a complete replacement.
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