Digital age verification service set to launch in England and Wales

Rebecca Egan, Specialist Licensing Paralegal

Physical ID requirements are being phased out, with new regulations paving the way for digital verification.

It has now been confirmed by the Home Office that new legislation will allow you to prove your age with just a touch of your finger. Under the new rules, age checks can be completed using a registered Digital Verification Service (DVS) provider across England and Wales, removing the need to carry around physical identification.

How digital age verification will work

The new rules are designed to align licensing laws with modern consumer habits, with the use of technology continuously on the rise.

Individuals will soon be able to confirm they meet age requirements for venues, services, and age-restricted purchases through certified digital identity services, offering an alternative method of verification.

Requirements for a valid digital age verification

For an age check to be accepted, it must pass the following requirements:

• The digital age check comes from a DVS certified against the UK digital identity and attributes trust framework,
• The provider appears on the statutory DSVS register and validated,
• The identity has been verified to at least a medium level of confidence under GPG45, and
• The digital information confirms the customers meets the premises’ age-verification policy.

When will the new digital ID rules come into effect?

Subject to Parliamentary procedure, digital verification is set to come into force August 2026.

Physical documents will still be accepted however, having digital verification will provide an additional, privacy-protecting option to allow customers to confirm their age but no other personal information.