The UK Government is asking the public for views on proposals that would allow people to prove their identity online using a single digital ID rather than repeatedly verifying details for different services

A new UK Government consultation on establishing a national digital identity system could transform how individuals access benefits, tax services and other state support in the future.

The UK Government is seeking public feedback on proposals that would enable people to verify their identity online using a single digital ID rather than repeatedly confirming their details for different services.

Ministers say the objective is to streamline how people interact with the state and make public services more accessible online. Under the proposals, a secure digital identity could be used to confirm personal details when accessing services provided by departments including the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

This could include accessing tax accounts, managing benefit claims or confirming eligibility for government support.

The consultation suggests a digital identity system could allow people to verify their identity once and then reuse it across multiple government services, reports the Daily Record.

Advocates say this could reduce the need for repeated identity checks, paperwork and in-person appointments when dealing with different government departments.

However, nearly three million people signed an online petition urging the UK Government not to introduce digital IDs. The petition was debated in Parliament on December 8, 2025.

Identity verification is currently one of the biggest barriers people face when applying for benefits or accessing online services. Claimants are frequently asked to upload documentation, respond to security questions or attend verification appointments before their applications can be approved.

A digital ID system could simplify those checks by enabling individuals to securely verify their identity through a government-approved digital account.

The UK Government states the objective is to make interacting with public services as simple as using online banking.

Officials say the system would be voluntary and created to give individuals greater control over how their personal data is managed.

The consultation also emphasises how digital identity could help cut fraud and impersonation scams targeting government services.

Fraud involving stolen identities has become a growing concern for authorities, particularly in areas such as benefit claims and tax refunds.

Through secure digital verification, ministers believe it may become more difficult for criminals to impersonate others or access accounts fraudulently.

Nevertheless, digital identity proposals have historically proved controversial in the UK, with concerns raised about privacy, data protection and the potential creation of a national identity system.

Earlier attempts to introduce national ID cards were abandoned following political opposition and concerns about government databases.

The consultation will ask members of the public, technology experts and civil society groups how a new digital identity system should operate and what safeguards should be included. If implemented, the system could potentially be utilised across a broad spectrum of government services, assisting individuals in managing everything from tax matters to benefit claims via a single verified identity.

Ministers have stated that the consultation will aid in shaping the development of the system prior to any consideration of legislation or broader implementation.

The public are invited to submit their opinions on the proposals before the consultation period ends on 5 May 2026.

The ‘Making public services work for you with your digital identity’ consultation can be viewed on GOV.UK.