What's Changing
Nothing changes for drivers today. The DVLA published its business plan for 2026 to 2027 on 19 October 2026. It sets out the significant changes DVLA plans to make to its services and the key performance indicators it's measured against.
On the digital driving licence, the plan says DVLA is continuing its work to include a digital licence in GOV.UK Wallet and the GOV.UK app. It doesn't give a launch date. The GOV.UK Wallet pages don't give a date either.
The plan also sets service targets. DVLA aims to send out licences and V5Cs within 3 working days of an online application in 99% of cases. It also aims to bring the average Drivers Medical decision time down to within 45 days by March 2027, using automation and AI.
If you're wondering how this fits with the car insurance on your own car, the digital licence isn't available yet, so there's nothing new to show your insurer.
When It Starts And Who It Affects
There's no start date for the digital licence. The business plan was published on 19 October 2026 and sets targets running to March 2027, but it doesn't say when a digital licence goes live.
For now, GOV.UK says you can't download or use GOV.UK Wallet yet. The Wallet currently holds the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, and GOV.UK says the digital driving licence follows it. GOV.UK says using the Wallet is entirely optional, and digital documents can be used in the same way as paper or card versions.
Don't confuse it with digital proof of age for buying alcohol. That came into force in England and Wales on 15 September 2026, and GOV.UK says it's separate from the digital driving licence and GOV.UK Wallet.
Digital Driving Licence: Today Vs Dvla's Plan
Where things stand on 22 October 2026, from GOV.UK and DVLA's 2026 to 2027 business plan.
| TodayWhat you can do now | In DVLA's planWork in progress | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence on your phone | Not yet. GOV.UK Wallet can't be downloaded or used yet | DVLA is continuing work to add a digital licence to GOV.UK Wallet and the GOV.UK app |
| Launch date | No digital licence yet | No date given |
| Sharing your driving record | Create a check code, valid for 21 days | No change announced |
| Using the Wallet | Holds the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card | Not set out in the plan (GOV.UK says the Wallet is optional) |
From the DVLA business plan 2026 to 2027, the GOV.UK Wallet pages and GOV.UK's view or share your driving licence service, checked 22 October 2026.
What It Means For Your Car Insurance
There's no official answer yet. No GOV.UK or DVLA source says whether insurers would accept a digital licence, or whether the licence check code process would change for insurers. So don't assume either way.
DVLA already provides driver and vehicle data services to businesses, including insurers, who depend on accurate and timely access to that information. If you want to share your driving record today, you create a licence check code on GOV.UK, and it's valid for 21 days. No change to that has been announced.
Here's more on how insurers may check your driving record. If you're asked for licence details and aren't sure what counts, ask your insurer what they accept.
What To Do Now
- Keep using your current licence. The digital version isn't available in GOV.UK Wallet yet.
- Use a check code to share your record. Create it on GOV.UK when someone asks to see your driving record. It's valid for 21 days.
- Ask your insurer if you're unsure. No official source says how insurers would treat a digital licence, so check with them rather than guess.
- Look out for digital MOT reminders. DVLA plans to let you sign up for MOT reminders through your Driver and vehicles account, with a December 2026 target. You can already get free reminders by text or email a month before your MOT is due, through GOV.UK's MOT reminder service. Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to £1,000, and you can't renew your vehicle tax.
You can compare car insurance quotes when you're ready.
FAQs
Can I Use A Digital Driving Licence Yet?
No. GOV.UK says you can't download or use GOV.UK Wallet yet, and the driving licence is a future addition. DVLA's 2026 to 2027 business plan says the work is continuing but gives no launch date.
Do Insurers Accept A Digital Driving Licence?
There's no official answer yet. No GOV.UK or DVLA source says how insurers would treat a digital licence, so ask your insurer what they accept if you're asked for licence details.
Is Digital Proof Of Age The Same As The Digital Driving Licence?
No. Digital proof of age for alcohol sales came into force in England and Wales on 15 September 2026, and GOV.UK says it's separate from the digital driving licence and GOV.UK Wallet.
