On 2026-06-07, the European Parliament voted in favor of a directive to make digital driving licences the standard across the European Union by 2030. The vote, which took place in Strasbourg, aims to modernize driver documentation and reduce administrative burdens.
Under the new rules, member states will be required to issue digital licences that can be stored on smartphones and verified through a secure EU-wide system. Physical licences will still be available upon request, but the digital version will be the default from 2030.
The directive also includes measures to combat driving licence fraud and to facilitate the exchange of licences between member states. The European Commission estimates that the digital system could save up to β¬500 million annually in administrative costs across the EU.
The proposal now moves to the Council of the European Union for final approval. If adopted, member states will have until 2030 to implement the digital licence system.
