Wolverhampton City Council has become the first local authority in the West Midlands & UK to introduce contactless technology into taxi and private hire licensing, enhancing passenger safety and simplifying driver identity checks.
Passengers can now verify a driver’s licence status in seconds by tapping their smartphone against the driver’s ID card, which is embedded with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This allows a digital version of the taxi or private hire licence to be displayed instantly, confirming whether the driver is currently licensed and valid.
The new contactless ID cards are part of a major push by the council to combat fraud and improve public confidence. Traditional ID cards can be easily duplicated, but Wolverhampton’s new cards feature high-level security features such as holograms, optically variable inks, guilloche patterns (similar to those on banknotes), and additional forensic safeguards—making them extremely difficult to forge.
Crucially, the cards are connected to the council’s live driver database, which is updated daily. This ensures that the information passengers receive is always accurate and current. So far, approximately 15,000 licensed drivers have received the new cards, which have already been tapped over 40,000 times.
The council recommends that passengers check the ID card—displayed on the front passenger side of the windscreen—before entering the vehicle. Tapping works through the glass, and if the smartphone shows an “invalid” status, passengers are advised not to get in and to report the driver immediately.
For those unable to use the NFC feature, the driver’s licence can still be verified via the council’s online register at wolverhampton.gov.uk/DriverRegister.
The ID cards have been developed in partnership with UK-based technology firm Euclid Ltd, a specialist in secure identity documents and systems. Euclid also works with global governments on projects such as passport and national ID schemes.
Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, Cabinet Member for Resident Services, praised the innovation, stating:
“Once again, Wolverhampton is leading the way by using cutting-edge technology in taxi and private hire licensing. These cards make verifying a driver’s identity faster, easier and much more secure—and they’re better for the environment too.”
Geoff Neal, Managing Director of Euclid Ltd, added:
“We’re proud to support Wolverhampton in enhancing passenger safety through digital trust. This is an exciting development in taxi licensing innovation.”
Wolverhampton’s introduction of NFC-enabled driver cards marks a significant first for the UK transport sector, setting a new benchmark for safety, transparency and digital innovation in the private hire and taxi industry.
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