The UK government has confirmed a major change to alcohol purchasing rules in supermarkets and other retailers, including Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons. By autumn 2026, shoppers will be able to use digital identification to prove their age when buying alcohol, eliminating the need to carry physical documents such as passports or driving licences.
Minister Announces Digital Verification Services
Sarah Jones, the Minister of State for Policing and Crime and Labour MP for Croydon West, announced the change in a ministerial statement. She said: "Today I am pleased to inform the House that those members of the public who are fortunate enough to look younger than their age, but are always having to carry their passport or driving licence to prove they are 18 or over to buy a pint in a pub, will soon no longer have this dilemma."
Jones explained that digital ID will provide a "quick and secure way to prove age without revealing any additional personal details to bar staff," adding that passports can be left safely at home for those who choose this option.
Legal Changes to Licensing Act
The government is laying a statutory instrument to update the Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) Order 2010. 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. Currently, the Order requires physical documents bearing a photograph, date of birth, and security features to verify age.
Jones noted: "With the increasing adoption of secure digital technologies, the Government recognises the need to align legislation with today’s consumer habits and modern technology." She emphasised that those who prefer to prove their age using physical documents can still do so.
How Digital ID Will Work
Alcohol retailers and clubs will be allowed to accept digital proof of age, provided it is presented from a DVS that is certified against the UK DVS trust framework, appears on the statutory DVS register on GOV.UK, and meets certain conditions specified in the Mandatory Licensing Conditions. 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 the government, such as the upcoming digital driving licence.
Jones added: "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."
Implementation Timeline
The changes are scheduled to be made by autumn 2026. This move is expected to benefit younger-looking adults who often face the inconvenience of carrying physical ID for age verification in pubs, supermarkets, and other alcohol retailers.
