Pub-goers will be able to prove their age using their smartphones by next Christmas, under government plans for digital ID.

With more customers now using their devices to pay rather than carrying cash or cards, ministers want to allow people to also leave their passports and driving licenses at home.

As part of the project, drinkers will be able to prove their age by having a QR code scanned on an app when buying alcohol in pubs, restaurants and shops.

The QR code will only indicate whether the person is old enough to purchase the product and will not contain other information contained on identification documents such as their address or date of birth.

Ministers are introducing the change through the Data (Use and Access) Bill and hope to have it operational by the end of next year.

Companies that already provide private identification, such as Yoti – a digital ID app – will need to apply to obtain a kite mark which certifies that they process data securely.

A change will also be made to the Licensing Act to allow people to use digital identification to prove their age.

Having a digital ID will not be compulsory, but ministers hope it will make it easier and safer for those who want to use it.

Pub-goers will be able to prove their age using their smartphones by next Christmas, under government plans for digital ID (file image)

As more customers now use their devices to pay rather than carrying cash or cards, ministers want to allow people to also leave their passports and driving licenses at home (image from archive)

A government source told the Sunday Times: “The aim is to start by digitizing existing identity documents.”

The Interior Ministry is reportedly examining plans to introduce digital driving licenses.

Ministers are also expanding the rollout of the government’s One Login service, which replaces duplicate systems with a single account and identity verification system.

It will consolidate government services in one place, with only one password needed to access services, from benefits to taxes. This could provide a unique digital identity for citizens.

Government data suggests users already save an average of six minutes every time they access a new service. So far, more than five million people have proven their identity through Gov.uk One Login.

Estonia has been a pioneer in rolling out digital government services, with a state-issued digital ID that people use for everything from banking to managing health appointments.

Digital ID cards are issued at birth and 99% of the Estonian population has one. It is estimated that this program will save every Estonian five days a year from bureaucracy.