Estate agents to still use digital ID checks despite BritCard scheme being scrapped

The UK government's decision to discontinue its digital ID scheme does not impact the digital identity verification processes utilised by mortgage lenders and brokers.

In September 2025, the UK government announced [1] plans for a national digital ID to be stored on individuals' phones. The initial proposal aimed to establish a mandatory method for demonstrating the Right to Work in the UK, while also suggesting it could facilitate access to both government and private-sector services.

However, [2] this mandatory requirement faced significant backlash regarding issues of privacy, surveillance, data security, and digital exclusion. As a result, the plans were adjusted [3] to promote a voluntary service focused on convenience and access to public services. The appointed PM Andy Burnham has [4] chosen not to move forward with the national digital ID scheme that was introduced under Keir Starmer.

Despite the digital ID scheme being discontinued, [5] private-sector providers still have the option to obtain independent certification under [6] the UK Digital Verification Services Trust Framework established by the UK government. David Jones, who [7] is the Chief Executive Officer of Click2Check said, “There has been some confusion in the market in recent days since the government announced it was scrapping its digital ID scheme. This scheme should not be confused with digital identity verification, which is being used every day by millions of people to prove who they are securely when buying property, opening bank accounts, starting employment or accessing professional services. The UK has a mature identity verification market and significant expertise in this area. As fraud becomes more sophisticated and consumers increasingly expect digital services, trusted digital verification remains more important than ever.”

Private digital verification services are extensively utilized throughout the country. The decision to discontinue [8] the national digital ID scheme does not exempt employers from their obligation to verify that potential employees possess the Right to Work in the UK. Current digital Right to Work procedures are still in effect. Certified Identity Service Providers are authorized to conduct digital identity checks for eligible British and Irish citizens utilizing valid passports or Irish passport cards. HM Land Registry allows conveyancers [9] to electronically verify the identities of borrowers and other parties involved in transactions, provided they meet the established identity standards. This is in accordance with official guidance that applies to applications necessitating identity verification, including property transactions that involve mortgages.

However in June 2026, a proposed [10] initiative in the property sector aimed at establishing a digital ID scheme is being discontinued, citing concerns regarding UK government policy and insufficient consumer advantages. [11] The MyIdentity initiative seeked to streamline the process for home buyers and sellers by enabling them to verify their identity a single time. MyIdentity and its supporters at the Home Builders Federation have urged over 250 companies in the sector to reassess any additional investment of time and resources into digital identity systems.

Stuart Young who [12] is the Managing Director of Etive Technologies said, “We are putting all activity on digital ID in the property sector on hold. We’re not convinced that it will work, as it provides no consumer benefit and, by default, no real sector benefit. This is not a decision that has been made lightly. Following extensive work over the last year or so, it is clear that the people who work on the coalface of property are not convinced of what government is trying to do. In fact, confidence has dropped dramatically. Plus, the business case just doesn’t seem to be there.”

Stuart Young also highlighted the persistent uncertainty surrounding government policy, tracing it back [13] to Tony Blair’s proposal for ID cards and the conflicting messages resulting [14] from Keir Starmer’s announcement of a mandatory digital ID scheme and his later reversal on the matter. “All the same mistakes are being made, we have told DSIT, the Ministry of Housing, etc about this over the years but they just aren’t interested. I think it is wrong to mislead companies and it was clear to me that companies are fed up with more failed initiatives or not another initiative. Fatigued is probably the best word to describe how people feel.”

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