Digital ID Now Accepted as Proof of Age for Alcohol Sales in England and Wales

From today, 15 September 2026, licensed premises and retailers across England and Wales can choose to accept certified digital ID as proof of age for alcohol sales.  The change follows amendments to the Licensing Act’s mandatory conditions and provides businesses with an additional method of verifying that customers are aged 18 or over.

The new rules mean that customers may be able to use a certified digital proof of age app on their smartphone instead of presenting a physical driving licence, passport or PASS card.  Digital IDs must be provided through approved and certified services that meet the Government’s digital verification standards.

What Does This Mean for Licence Holders?

Importantly, there is no requirement for businesses to accept digital ID. The decision remains entirely voluntary and operators can continue to rely on existing age verification procedures.  Physical forms of ID remain valid and should continue to be accepted where appropriate.

For those businesses that choose to adopt the technology, digital age verification may offer several benefits:

• Quicker and more convenient age checks.
• Reduced exposure of customers’ personal information.
• Greater confidence in the authenticity of identification presented.
• Potential reduction in the use of fake or borrowed IDs.

What Should Businesses Do?

Licence holders should review their age verification policies and consider whether digital ID aligns with their operational needs. Staff training will remain essential, particularly where Challenge 25 policies are in place.

For now, businesses can expect a gradual rollout, and many customers will continue to use traditional forms of identification while the new system becomes more widely adopted.

If you would like advice on how these changes may affect your licensed premises, please get in touch.