The Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) (Amendment) Order 2026

The Government has brought into force legislation permitting the use of digital identification for age verification in licensed premises.

The Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) (Amendment) Order 2026 amends the mandatory licensing conditions that apply to premises and club premises certificates authorising the sale or supply of alcohol in England and Wales. The changes allow customers to use digital proof of age, as an alternative to physical identification, when verifying that they are aged 18 or over.

Digital proof of age may only be accepted where it has been verified through a registered Digital Verification Service (DVS). The service must be provided by a Digital Verification Service Provider (DVSP) that is listed on the statutory register maintained under section 32 of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.

The changes do not replace existing acceptable forms of identification, such as passports or photocard driving licences, which remain valid for age verification purposes. Premises are also not required to accept digital proof of age and may continue to operate solely with physical forms of identification if they choose to do so.

Where an existing premises licence contains a condition that expressly prohibits the use of digital forms of identification, the premises licence holder may apply to vary the licence to permit the use of approved digital forms of identification for age verification purposes.