when will digital id be mandatory in uk

The digital ID will be mandatory in the UK by the end of the current Parliament, which is expected to be in 2029. It will be required for anyone seeking to work in the UK as proof of the right to work. However, it will not be mandatory for everyday use or for groups such as students, pensioners, or people not working. Individuals will not be required to carry or produce the digital ID on demand, but employers must check it during hiring processes. The scheme will be free and available to all UK citizens and legal residents, with a rollout following a public consultation planned for late 2025 or early 2026. The digital ID will be stored on smartphones and designed to be inclusive for those without smartphones as well.