Major change to UK passports set to be introduced that could change how millions travel
A major change to UK passports has been announced and it's promising to make travel a lot easier.
Before leaving the house you may no longer have to check a hundred times to see if you've got your passport on you, with the introduction of the GOV.UK Wallet and App.
Coming this summer, the new app promises to give us simple access to government-issued services and documents like digital driver’s licences.
It's also going to make it easier to apply for childcare or reporting a lost passport.
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But according to Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, there are a few factors to consider for the passport option to be approved.
"The key function you want from the passport is being able to travel with it without constantly being worried you forgot your passport," he told The Times.
"But it's not dependent on Britain, it depends on the country you're travelling to. So we're keeping a close eye on international standards.
"When those standards become clearer, then, of course, you have a Government that would aspire to be able to benefit from it as much as possible."
We're expecting the digital 'wallet' to be introduced in the summer, whilst mobile driver’s licence will be piloted later in 2025.
By 2027, hopefully all government credentials will be available on the app.
This would include birth certificate, national insurance number, power of attorney, marriage and DBS certificates.
"Along with CDs, the Walkman and flip phones, the overflowing drawer rammed with letters from the government and hours spent on hold to get a basic appointment will soon be consigned to history," Kyle added.
"GOV.UK Wallet will mean that every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually.
"For people who choose to use GOV.UK Wallet, they will find it easier to prove they’re entitled to benefits or check their age when buying alcohol or DIY equipment, with more security and trust than ever before.
"Crucially, it also opens huge opportunities to make interacting with public services much easier by putting people in control of their own data.
"We will be overhauling how the public sector uses technology which is essential to delivering our Plan for Change.
"And in combination with this new tech for people to use themselves, we are going to slash the time people waste dealing with annoying processes so they can focus on what matters to them."
Just make sure you remember to take your phone to the airport.
Anish Vij