Shoppers to use digital ID to buy booze after major change for 50 million people

Millions of people will be able to use a digital driving licence as proof of age in a government smartphone "wallet" later this year.

The app for Government services will be launched by June and will include a digital wallet to store documents, beginning with a veteran card and then a pilot of driving licences by the end of the year.

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "You will be able to prove and verify your age digitally using the digital driving licence. And this is going to be absolutely liberating.

"In person, you can generate a code where you can hold up and prove you are who you say you are, and you are the age you say you are without having to reveal your name or your address."

Mr Kyle demonstrated on Tuesday how the digital ID could be used to buy age-restricted items such as fireworks online.

Around 40 million people own a full driving licence, expanding this to provisional licence holders takes the total closer to 50 million.

Physical documents will remain available and there are no plans to make the digital versions compulsory, Mr Kyle said.

Mr Kyle said every Government department is exploring how to use it and "so nothing is off the table when we have these conversations".

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence

"The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone."