EU aims for unified digital driving licenses by 2030, integrating them into digital identity wallets across member states.
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Efforts to standardize driving license regulations across the EU aim to introduce a digital driver’s license valid in all member states, alongside changes to driver training and other adaptations for a digital society. Member states have three years to implement these rules into national law and one more year for full system activation, meaning the unified digital license should be operational by 2030. This EU digital license will be recognized equally with the physical document and integrated into the European Digital Identity Wallet, allowing drivers to use it without a physical card while traveling in the EU; however, those who cannot or choose not to use the digital application can still use the traditional plastic card. New regulations also propose longer document validity periods: standard licenses for 15 years (or 10 if used as ID). The directive introduces other EU road safety rules, including minimum probationary periods and unified rules for driving bans across the EU. In Poland, drivers can use an electronic version via the mObywatel 2.0 application linked to the Central Driver Register, which confirms qualifications during checks but is not formally a replacement for the plastic license; its practical use is mainly domestic, as many member states do not recognize it as a standalone ID abroad. Since 2023, Poland has had an electronic temporary license for new drivers, allowing them to drive legally immediately, though this version expires after 30 days if the physical document isn’t collected. Poland is well-prepared due to prior initiatives, such as testing mObywatel for international use within the European Digital Identity Wallet since 2023. Spain launched the miDGT application in 2020, allowing citizens digital access to their license and vehicle data nationwide; this digital version is legally valid in Spain but serves as a supplement to the classic document while adapting to future EU standards. Ireland has not yet introduced an electronic driver’s license, though plans exist for it to be part of its Digital Wallet, which will hold various official documents. While the wallet was planned for completion by late 2024, pilot programs identified accessibility issues; Irish authorities plan to implement EUDI regulations to give the Digital Wallet full legal status by the end of 2026.
