Whitehall still won't say what digital ID scheme will cost

"At this stage of development, it is not possible to definitively estimate the cost to government from developing and running the digital ID system, adding that yet-to-be-taken policy decisions will materially impact the costs involved."

"The government plans that digital IDs will be available at no charge to anyone who wants one by the end of this Parliament, which must end no later than July 2029. Most people will store them as verifiable credentials on smartphones or tablets, although the government is looking at physical alternatives for those without devices including random number generators, QR codes, and smart ID cards."

"Organizations will check an ID digitally as well as viewing a photo of the holder. They will get the minimum information needed, with retailers told whether someone wanting to buy alcohol is over 18, rather than seeing everything on a physical document."

The UK government launched a consultation on its digital identity system without providing cost estimates, stating that policy decisions still pending will significantly affect expenses. Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially proposed mandatory digital IDs for new employment by Parliament's end, but scrapped this requirement after substantial public opposition, including three million petition signatures. The revised approach makes digital IDs voluntary and free, available by July 2029. Employers must conduct digital right-to-work checks using passports, eVisas, or digital identities. The system builds on GOV.UK One Login, already serving 122 services. Digital IDs will be stored on smartphones or tablets, with physical alternatives like QR codes and smart cards for those without devices. Organizations receive only necessary information, such as age verification for alcohol purchases, without accessing full document details. Digital IDs will exclude biological sex, gender, and possibly addresses.

Read at Theregister