The Federal Cabinet has approved the draft Digital Identities Act (DIdG), thereby paving the way for the introduction of the EUDI--the European Digital Identity Wallet. In the future, this will enable citizens to verify their identity via their smartphone and use digital documents, making many everyday processes easier, and will work across Europe.

What is the EUDI Wallet? 

The European Digital Identity Wallet – EUDI for short – is a digital wallet for smartphones. It stores, manages and validates various forms of personal identification. For example, a person’s identity card will be stored in their wallet as a “digital twin”. In the future, it will be possible to store an increasing number of personal documents, such as birth certificates, driving licences and even travel tickets. Users can use it to identify themselves electronically or provide proof of their identity or other personal details.

What are the benefits of the Digital Identity Wallet?

In the future, citizens will have access to a centralised and trustworthy platform for administrative services, banking transactions and online contracts – without the need for additional identification procedures. It will thus be possible to complete many such tasks more quickly and easily. The application enables secure and seamless electronic transactions between businesses, citizens and public administrations – across borders throughout the European Union.

Businesses can also use the wallet to securely identify customers and develop new business models across Europe. This represents real added value for Germany as a business location and for the European single market.

What is the wallet called in Germany? 

The German wallet has its own name: d-you. On 9 September, Federal Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation Karsten Wildberger announced the name and logo for the government’s digital wallet. The name “d-you” sums up the core concept of the wallet. The “d” stands for “digital” and for Germany. And the use of “you” puts the focus on users. “With d-you, we are developing a digital application that offers genuine added value, puts people first and builds trust”, said Minister Wildberger.

When will d-you be launched? 

The German EUDI--European Digital Identity Wallet will be launched in early January 2027 with 40 partners from business, academia and public administration. They will offer applications and services that are intended to actually be available as of the go-live date. This will enable users to directly verify their age, enter into legally binding contracts or open a bank account.

Am I obliged to use the digital wallet?

No. The wallet will be available free of charge and on a voluntary basis. Analogue services will continue to be available.

Will my data be protected if I use the EUDI Wallet?

Yes. With the EUDI--European Digital Identity Wallet, Europe will, for the first time, have a secure digital means of identification that is valid in all Member States. The underlying EU regulation sets out the common, legally binding framework for digital identity. The wallet gives users control over their own data at all times. The Federal Government is taking measures to ensure data protection and data security. The EUDI--European Digital Identity Wallet is the first electronic means of identification available on mobile devices that meets the security level “high”.

What other benefits does the Digital Identities Act bring?

As part of efforts to reduce red tape, people who last applied for an identity card at the age of 70 or over will be able to continue using it indefinitely. The reason for this is that, as people get older, the number of situations in which an identity card is actively required decreases. At an advanced age, applying for a new identity card can also be perceived as a very complex process. The new regulations are intended to reduce the need for citizens to deal with public authorities, thereby easing the burden on both citizens and the authorities themselves. 

In addition, an amendment to the Passport Act is intended to remove the need to update your place of residence in your passport after moving. Updates will still be possible, but will no longer be compulsory, helping to avoid the need for in-person appointments at local authority offices.

With the Cabinet’s decision on the Digital Identities Act, the Federal Government is introducing concrete measures to make life easier for citizens. The new regulations form part of the federal modernisation agenda, which comprises more than 200 specific measures aimed at reducing bureaucracy, speeding up procedures and making government structures more efficient.