England and Wales pubs can now accept digital ID apps for age verification

New regulations announced on Tuesday will permit businesses to accept digital identification applications in addition to traditional physical documents when verifying a customer’s identity. The rule change, issued by the Department of Commerce in coordination with the Office of the National Cybersecurity Agency, expands the list of acceptable proof‑of‑identity formats to include government‑approved mobile apps that store driver’s licenses, passports and other official IDs in encrypted form. The guidance applies to a wide range of establishments, from retail outlets and hospitality venues to financial service providers, and takes effect 30 days after publication.

Under the new framework, participating businesses must ensure that the digital ID solution meets established security standards, such as biometric verification and real‑time authentication with issuing authorities. Establishments are required to retain a copy of the digital verification record for the same duration as physical documents and to train staff on the proper use of the technology. Officials anticipate that the policy will streamline transactions, reduce the need for paper-based IDs and improve accessibility for consumers who rely on mobile devices for identification.