The new GOV.UK One Login app is climbing the charts — currently ranked #3 in Apple's App Store and #8 on Google Play Store, but why?

This is a new app that's part of the UK Government’s push for a single, secure way to access all of its online services, launched in June 2025. The mobile app lets you verify your identity digitally, making it easier and faster to access services like taxes, benefits, or healthcare online.

Thousands of Britons have already added it to their phone – clocking up over 100,000 downloads on the Play Store alone.

GOV.UK One Login is designed to streamline your login to digital services. Rather than repeatedly entering personal details or visiting offices in person, you can now use this single app to access more than. These range from applying for passports and driving licences to claiming benefits and accessing educational services. If you haven't already downloaded the app to your iPhone or Android handset, the next time you attempt to access any of these services, expect to be asked to download the app.

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This isn't the only attempt to make government services easier for users. as the Government hails the new technology as "game-changing".

Drivers around the country will be able to have the option of using a digital version of their licence on their phones to prove their right to drive. Motorists will be encouraged to use a new GOV.UK App to access government services, with a Veteran Card being the first document available on their phones.

"Later in the year, we plan to begin rolling out a digital driving licence, which will eventually be usable for everything your paper licence is currently used for," stated a spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

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The GOV.UK Wallet will allow drivers to securely store documents on their phone behind security features like facial recognition checks, similar to those when paying for something with a bank card.

This ensures any digital documents will remain secure even if your smartphone is lost, since someone would need to scan your face to access them.

Meanwhile, tech giants like Apple are also exploring ways for. For instance, under the Real ID Act, the US government now requires driver's licences and ID cards used for air travel to be upgraded with enhanced security standards, including proof of identity, residency, and biometric checks.

APPLE PRESS OFFICE | With the introduction of iOS 26 later this year, Apple will let iPhone owners download and keep their passport in the Wallet app, so they can travel domestically in the United States with nothing but a smartphone

To streamline adoption, technology giants announced support for Real ID-compliant digital licences. Apple has piloted this scheme in several US states, letting eligible iPhone users tap at TSA checkpoints when their state opts in. Google has followed in its footsteps, adding state IDs and driver’s licenses to Google Wallet.

The later this year.

Under current plans, this document will be accessible on the GOV.UK app on iPhone and Android. However, it won't be added to Apple Wallet.

Whether Downing Street changes its mind and decides to add its digital driver's licence to Apple Wallet in the future, or moves to adopt the new digital passport with the launch of iOS 26, remains to be seen.

GB News has contacted the UK Home Office to find out whether it has any plans to adopt this iOS 26 feature.

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So, how does the GOV.UK One Login app work?

The app uses a digital verification system that aims to simplify how you interact with government services online. To do this, it uses biometric technology to authenticate your identity by examining official photo identification documents and using facial recognition capabilities.

The technology behind the app works by conducting multiple verification checks to confirm your identity. When you use the application, it examines whether your photo identification is genuine, verifies that you're a real person, and confirms you match the photograph on your ID document.

You'll need specific types of photo identification to use the service, though. These include:

Even expired biometric residence documents remain valid for up to 18 months past their expiration date.

Your smartphone must meet certain specifications, too. iPhone users need iOS 15 or later, with an iPhone 6s or newer for driving licences, or iPhone 7 and above for other documents.

Android devices only require version 10 or higher for the app to work.

You'll be prompted to use the app when you're using a government service that requires identity verification. You'll be directed to download the app right before age verification is needed.

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After installation, you'll sign up or sign in using your existing GOV.UK One Login credentials, which connect the website to your mobile application. You'll then select which photo identification document you want to use for verification.

The scanning process varies by document type. For passports and biometric residence documents, you'll photograph the document, scan its embedded chip, then scan your face.

For driving licences, however, the app automatically captures the image whilst you hold the card.

Following successful facial scanning and data submission, you'll return to your web browser to complete the identity verification process and continue with your original government service.

On the other hand, the broader GOV.UK app offers additional functionality beyond identity verification. You can personalise your experience by saving frequently accessed topics to your home screen and maintaining a history of visited pages for easy reference.

The app also helps you locate local services by using your postcode to link directly to your council's website. You'll receive notifications about important deadlines and discover relevant services you might find useful.

Accessibility remains a priority, with the app designed to function with various assistive technologies. The current version represents a beta release, meaning it undergoes regular updates based on user feedback.

While you can presently access over 40 services through GOV.UK One Login, the government plans to expand this to encompass all GOV.UK services in future. There is no set date for this yet, but keep checking back on GB News for ongoing updates.