Chris Huhne has resigned as as energy secretary after learning he was to be charged with perverting the course of justice over a 2003 speeding case.
"We have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against Mr Huhne and (his former wife) Ms Pryce for perverting the course of justice," Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer said in a televised statement.
The case has put Huhne, a member of the Liberal Democrats, junior partner in the Conservative-led coalition, under pressure.
There was no immediate response from Prime Minister David Cameron's office.
Huhne has denied any wrongdoing over allegations that he asked Vicky Pryce to take responsibility for a speeding offence in 2003 that would otherwise have cost him his driving licence.
Pryce, a former government economist, has remained silent over the alleged offence, which took place in Essex, east of London. The couple split in 2010.
"The essence of the charges is that between March and May 2003, Mr Huhne, having allegedly committed a speeding offence, falsely informed the investigating authorities that Ms Pryce had been the driver of the vehicle in question, and she falsely accepted that she was the driver," Starmer said.
Huhne and Pryce will now appear in court in central London on 16 February.
