GTA 6 players warned over driving licence requirement before playing blockbuster

The first GTA challenge isn't in the game

The long-awaited game launches on 19 November and is already being tipped as one of the biggest video game releases in history. 

However, Australian gamers, along with players in countries bringing in similar online restrictions, including the UK, will first need to verify their age before getting started.

That's because new online safety laws now require mandatory age verification before users can access certain online services. 

In June 2026, former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to ban social media use for children under the age of 16, with the proposals expected to come into force in spring 2027. 

For GTA 6, this will apply to the online multiplayer mode, meaning players will need to verify their identity before jumping in.

So, ironically, some players will need a real driver’s licence before they can start stealing virtual cars.

There is some good news for gamers, though. Although access to GTA Online will remain locked until players complete the verification process, Rockstar Games has already made its age verification system available for existing GTA Online users.

How effective the system will actually be remains to be seen. Similar age verification rules introduced in Australia were quickly criticised after reports claimed many younger users found simple ways to get around them.

If GTA 6 eventually introduces the same checks in the UK, many believe it may not take long for players to find ways to bypass them there as well.