Government Digital Service publishes GOV.UK One Login digital wallet update

The Government Digital Service (GDS) has published a progress update on its roadmap for a modern digital government, highlighting significant milestones in the development of the UK's first digital wallet. Integrated into the GOV.UK One Login app, the digital wallet is designed to store government-issued credentials, providing a personalised and secure user experience for public services.

Over the past year, GDS has successfully launched the digital Veteran Card in collaboration with cross-government partners, with more than 15,000 veterans adding the credential to their apps. As The Register points out, this is a relatively slow start considerring that there are 1.8 million former forces personnel who are eligible for the digital card. 

However, building on this foundation, GDS has commenced private testing for a digital driving licence in partnership with the DVLA. The trial involves stress-testing and user research to ensure the credential functions effectively before a wider public rollout scheduled for later this year.

A critical focus for 2026 is implementing programmatic verification, which enables the digital authentication of documents to reduce fraud and the use of fake credentials. Because digital security features are not visible to the naked eye, this system allows authorised parties to verify authenticity with a user's consent.

GDS continues to engage with the private sector and the Digital Verification Service industry to ensure these digital credentials can be used for everyday identity checks, both in-person and online. The ultimate ambition is for all government services to offer digitally verified credentials as standard alongside traditional physical documents, creating a more accessible, user-centred digital landscape.

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