EU Adopts Digital Driving Licence: Smartphone ID to Complement Plastic Cards

The European Union has adopted revised driving licence rules that introduce a digital driving licence stored on your smartphone, with EU‑wide validity. The digital format will gradually become the default after a transition period, while drivers may still request a physical plastic card if needed (for example, when traveling outside the EU).

• Digital-first licences: Issued by default after rollout, integrated with the EU Digital Identity Wallet for easier renewal, replacement, and cross-border checks.
• Novice drivers: A minimum two-year probation period with stricter penalties to improve road safety.
• Accompanied driving at 17: An EU‑wide framework allowing supervised driving for 17‑year‑olds holding a category B learner licence (implementation may vary by country).
• Training updates: Added focus on blind‑spot awareness, phone‑use risks, and protection of vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, children).
• Cross‑border enforcement: Better information sharing so suspensions or withdrawals can be recognized across Member States.

Rollout and timing: The institutions reached a provisional deal in March 2025, followed by Parliament’s adoption in October 2025. Member States will implement the directive over the coming years, after which digital licences will be issued by default. Exact timelines and local options (e.g., accompanied driving at 17) can differ by country.

Why it matters: A smartphone‑based licence should streamline checks, renewals, and travel within the EU, while maintaining a plastic card option. The novice driver provisions aim to reduce collisions among younger drivers, who are disproportionately represented in serious accidents.

Official references:
European Commission: Provisional agreement on modernised driving licences (Mar 2025) ·
European Parliament: Updated driving licence rules (Oct 2025) ·
EU Digital Identity Wallet

What to watch: National implementation schedules, wallet compatibility across platforms, and how third‑country travel checks handle the digital format.

Discussion: Would you switch to a digital‑only licence, or do you still want a physical card as a backup?