How to Sign Up for the Government Digital ID (What We Know So Far)
The UK Government has confirmed that a free digital ID will be available to all UK citizens and legal residents, stored securely on your smartphone. The rollout is underway but not yet fully open to the public.
✔ Where you will sign up
You will sign up through GOV.UK, most likely using the following:
1. The GOV.UK App + Digital Wallet
The government announced a new GOV.UK Wallet inside the GOV.UK app, which will hold your digital ID (similar to Apple Wallet).This is where your digital ID card will appear once you sign up.
2. GOV.UK One Login
The digital ID programme is being built on top of GOV.UK One Login, the existing sign‑in system already used for services like tax and benefits.This system will evolve into the credential‑issuing system for Digital ID.
What the sign‑up process will look like
Although the exact screens aren’t released yet, government publications describe the process as follows:
Step 1 — Download the GOV.UK App
Your free digital ID will be delivered through an app on your phone.
Step 2 — Create or Sign In with GOV.UK One Login
This will be your master login across all government services.The digital ID system is designed to integrate with it.
Step 3 — Prove Your Identity via the App
The identity check will likely use:
Passport
Driving licence
Biometric selfie check
Residency documents (eVisa etc.)
These document types are confirmed as part of the ID system design.
Step 4 — Your Digital ID Appears in the GOV.UK Wallet
Once verified, your digital ID will be stored securely on your phone, similar to a digital driver's licence or digital visa.
Step 5 — Use It to Access Services
You will use the digital ID for:
Proving right to work
Renting property
Accessing benefits and government services
Age or identity checks
Has the sign‑up process fully opened yet?
Not yet.The government has stated that technical design is still being finalised and a public consultation is due before full rollout.Public engagement is already underway as part of early 2026 planning.
If you want to prepare now
You can do the following today so you’re ready when sign‑up opens:
Set up GOV.UK One Login
This will become the base account for digital ID:Ensure you have at least one valid ID document
Likely accepted:
UK passport
UK driving licence
Biometric residence permit / online visa
If anyone requires our help in setting up this, please contact Park View Project:
Email: office@parkviewproject.org.uk
Tel: General Office: 0191 466 1667 (Tuesday & Wednesday only)
