Proof of Identity: Digital Technology

The Government is committed to making it simpler and more secure for people across the country to complete necessary tasks and everyday transactions digitally, where they choose to do so.

The national Digital ID programme, announced in September 2025, has been cancelled. Digital identity policy more broadly has moved to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The Government Digital Service will continue to deliver the existing GOV.UK One Login and GOV.UK Wallet programmes. Established prior to the announcement of the national Digital ID programme last September, these programmes remain key parts of the government's digital transformation agenda to help people engage more easily with public services.

Across the economy, the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA), part of DCMS, continues its work to support the development of a market of trustworthy digital verification services (DVS), including the operation of the statutory framework established under Part 2 of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, which pre-dated the announcement of the national Digital ID programme.

Employers will continue to be required to conduct prescribed right to work checks. However, the Government will not require all right to work checks carried out by employers to be conducted digitally. This does not alter the existing arrangements for people who demonstrate their status through the Home Office’s online service, including eVisa holders.

From 1 October 2026, where an employer chooses to use a DVS for a prescribed digital right to work check, it will need to use a service that is certified against the DVS trust framework and the supplementary code for digital right to work checks and appears on the statutory DVS register as such to obtain a statutory excuse. This requirement will help ensure that digital checks meet appropriate standards of security, reliability and accessibility. It does not require an employer to choose the digital route.

The Home Office will provide updated guidance to employers. The Government will continue to engage employers, DVS providers and affected groups as these arrangements are implemented. OfDIA will take the Home Affairs Select Committee’s findings into account when reviewing the DVS trust framework and the supplementary code for digital right to work checks.