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Official Website – Federal Republic of Germany

The digital ID in the EUDI Wallet – Simple and secure

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Person holding an ID card next to a smartphone displaying a wallet app for adding identity documents
© SPRIND
Wallet App

Whether opening a bank account or signing a contract, identification processes for using digital services are often complex, time-consuming, and prone to media disruptions. At the same time, key identity documents are still tied to physical cards. With the digital ID in the EUDI Wallet, this will soon be a thing of the past.

How identification works with the EUDI Wallet

The digital ID is the core digital identity within the EUDI Wallet. It is officially issued by Bundesdruckerei and is therefore equivalent to a physical ID card. This ensures that it meets the same high security standards as existing identity documents.

The digital ID is issued in a user-friendly and secure way. Requirements include a valid ID card or residence permit with the online identification function activated, as well as a PIN.

The digital ID is issued as follows:

  1. Users first enter the 6-digit PIN of their online ID in the EUDI Wallet.
  2. They then hold their physical ID card to the smartphone’s NFC interface.
  3. After successful verification, a separate 6-digit wallet PIN is created to protect the digital ID, and it is ready to use.

Use is entirely voluntary: the online ID and the physical ID card (or residence permit) can continue to be used without restriction. The digital ID in the EUDI Wallet complements these as an additional, secure option for identification across a wide range of use cases.

Practical and privacy-friendly – tangible everyday benefits

The digital ID in the EUDI Wallet significantly simplifies identification through faster, more secure, and more user-friendly processes. For example, when opening a bank account online, the EUDI Wallet can replace complex procedures such as video identification.

The benefits are also evident in everyday situations, such as at the supermarket. At self-checkout, age can be verified easily and digitally. When purchasing age-restricted products, the EUDI Wallet only shares the required information (“over 18”) without disclosing any additional personal data. Verification is performed in real time and is cryptographically secured.

Users always retain full control over their (identity) data. This data is stored exclusively on their own smartphone and is only shared digitally after active user consent. Only the data required for a specific transaction is transmitted to the requesting party (e.g. a supermarket or bank). In the event of a lost device, users can have their wallet blocked at any time. Data within the wallet is protected by the wallet PIN and the device password.

In this way, the digital ID combines high security standards with real everyday usability and, as a core feature, forms the foundation for further digital credentials within the EUDI Wallet ecosystem.

For more information on how data protection and security are implemented in the EUDI Wallet, see here.