The Government has unveiled new regulations on the use of digital proof of age when purchasing alcohol, which will come into effect from autumn this year.
In addition, a statutory instrument to amend the Mandatory Licensing Conditions (MLCs) is set to be published this afternoon, which will outline that a certified Digital Verification Service (DVS) can be used to prove age in person.
Announcing the measures, Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Policing & Crime said: “Members of the public who are fortunate enough to look younger than their age, but always have to carry their passport or driving licence to prove they’re 18 or over, will soon no longer have this dilemma.
“In future, digital ID will be a quick and secure way to prove age without revealing any additional personal details, and will mean that passports can be left safely at home.
“I’m therefore laying a statutory instrument to deliver on our commitment to update the Licensing Act 2003 (MLC) Order 2010 (“the Order”) made under the Licensing Act 2003 (LA03). This change will permit the use of certified and registered Digital Verification Services (DVS) for the sale and supply of alcohol in England and Wales, where certain conditions are met.”
“The Government recognises the need to align legislation with today’s consumer habits and modern technology.”
Currently, the Order requires physical documents bearing a photograph, date of birth and security features to verify age. However, with the increasing adoption of secure digital technologies, the Government “recognises the need to align legislation with today’s consumer habits and modern technology,” it said.
Those who prefer to prove their age using physical documents can still do so, however.
Jones added: “This change will allow alcohol retailers to accept digital proof of age, provided it’s presented from a DVS that’s certified against the UK DVS trust framework, appears on the statutory DVS register on GOV.UK, and meets certain conditions as specified in the MLC.
Certified and registered digital verification services allow individuals to choose from a range of identity evidence when setting up a digital proof of age, including physical documents, information held by public authorities and digital credentials issued by government, like the upcoming digital driving licence.
“To prove age when purchasing alcohol, there will not be any requirement to use a specific source of identity evidence if using a DVS, and physical forms of identification will still be accepted.”
Subject to Parliamentary procedure, the Government intends the Statutory Instrument to come into effect in Autumn 2026. An Economic Note will be published on legislation.gov.uk alongside the instrument.
In response to the news today, Philip Young, CTO and co-founder of retail age verification company, Luciditi, said: “Today’s announcement is a landmark moment for retailers, hospitality venues and millions of consumers.
“Allowing certified DVS to be used as proof of age will make buying age‑restricted goods faster, safer and far more convenient. It removes the need for customers to hand over physical documents, protects their privacy by disclosing no personal information, and significantly reduces flashpoints that lead to aggression or violence towards frontline staff.
“After years of collaboration with the Government, this is the moment digital proof of age begins its journey to a practical reality. It’s also a major win for OfDIA’s DVS Trust Framework, pushing everyday use of re-usable digital ID into the mainstream.”
No comments yet