Overview
Italy has positioned itself as an early leader in the EU Digital Identity Wallet rollout by launching IT-Wallet on December 4, 2024—a full two years ahead of the EU's December 2026 deadline. With 59.0 million residents, Italy's digital identity ecosystem is one of the most mature in Europe, building on years of experience with SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) and CIE (Carta di Identità Elettronica).
The IT-Wallet system integrates directly into the popular PagoPA IO app, which millions of Italians already use for government communications, tax payments, and public services. By December 2024, the wallet reached 4 million users with over 7 million digital documents activated, demonstrating rapid adoption and strong public trust. The initiative is led by AGID (Agenzia per l'Italia Digitale), Italy's Digital Agency, which coordinates the country's digital transformation strategy.
Key Information 🟢
- National System: IT-Wallet 🟢 verified (integrated into IO app)
- Lead Agency: AGID 🟢 verified (Agenzia per l'Italia Digitale)
- Launch Date: December 4, 2024 🟢 verified
- Current Users: 4 million (early 2026) 🟢 verified
- Digital Documents Stored: 7 million+ 🟢 verified
- Authentication: SPID 🟢 verified (41.5M users) or CIE 🟢 verified (48.4M valid cards)
- Supported Documents: Driver's License, Health Insurance Card, Disability Card 🟢 verified
- Offline Capability: Yes (added 2025) 🟢 verified
- Developer: PagoPA S.p.A. (Ministry of Economy and Finance) 🟢 verified
- EUDI Wallet Transition: December 2026 🟡 estimated
- Status: Active pilot participant 🟢 verified
🟢 Italy: Ahead of the Curve
By launching IT-Wallet in December 2024, Italy became one of the first EU countries to provide digital identity wallet functionality to all citizens, demonstrating how existing digital infrastructure (SPID, CIE, IO app) can accelerate EUDI Wallet adoption. The 4 million users acquired within months validate Italy's phased, user-centered approach to digital transformation led by AGID.
AGID: The Digital Agency Driving Italy's Transformation
AGID (Agenzia per l'Italia Digitale) is the Italian government agency responsible for coordinating the nation's digital transformation. Established to modernize public administration and promote digital services for citizens and businesses, AGID plays a central role in Italy's EUDI Wallet implementation.
AGID's Role and Responsibilities
AGID operates under the supervision of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and works closely with other government agencies to ensure Italy meets EU digital requirements:
- Strategic Planning: Develops Italy's three-year digital transformation plan
- Standards Development: Defines technical guidelines for interoperability
- SPID Governance: Oversees the Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale
- Digital Services Coordination: Ensures consistency across government platforms
- EU Compliance: Aligns Italian systems with eIDAS 2.0 and other EU regulations
- IT-Wallet Leadership: Coordinates development and deployment with PagoPA
AGID and eIDAS 2.0
As Italy's designated authority for eIDAS implementation, AGID is responsible for:
- Ensuring IT-Wallet meets EUDI Wallet technical specifications (ARF 2.7.3)
- Coordinating with other EU member states for cross-border testing
- Certifying identity providers and qualified trust service providers
- Managing Italy's connection to the EU's interoperability gateway
- Publishing technical documentation for service providers adopting EUDI Wallet
AGID's Digital Infrastructure Legacy
Before IT-Wallet, AGID successfully delivered several foundational digital systems:
- SPID (2016): Public digital identity system reaching 41.5M users
- PagoPA Platform: Unified payment system for government services
- ANPR (Anagrafe Nazionale): National population registry digitization
- eDelivery: Certified digital communication for government-citizen interactions
- Cloud Italia: National cloud strategy for public sector
This track record of successful large-scale digital projects positions AGID well to deliver EUDI Wallet compliance by the December 2026 deadline. The agency's methodical approach prioritizes user adoption and service continuity while meeting regulatory requirements.
🟢 AGID's Proven Track Record
AGID's successful deployment of SPID (41.5M users), CIE digital authentication (9M CieID app users), and the PagoPA platform demonstrates institutional capacity to deliver complex digital identity systems at national scale. This experience significantly de-risks Italy's EUDI Wallet transition.
IT-Wallet: What You Can Do Today
Unlike many EU countries still in pilot phases, Italy's IT-Wallet is fully operational and available to all citizens and residents. Here's what you can do right now.
Digital Driver's License (Patente di Guida)
Your driver's license can be stored digitally in the IT-Wallet and presented during traffic stops, car rentals, or identity verification. Law enforcement and other authorities are trained to accept the digital version, which includes the same information and security features as the physical card.
The offline capability (added in 2025) ensures you can display your license even in areas without cellular coverage, addressing a common concern about digital-only documents.
Health Insurance Card (Tessera Sanitaria)
The digital health insurance card allows you to:
- Access healthcare services at hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies
- Verify insurance coverage without carrying the physical card
- Expedite registration at medical facilities
- Receive healthcare reimbursements digitally
This integration is particularly valuable given Italy's national health service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) structure, where the Tessera Sanitaria is required for most medical interactions.
European Disability Card (Carta Europea della Disabilità)
For citizens with disabilities, the digital disability card provides:
- Access to disability services and accommodations
- Discounted or free entry to museums, theaters, and public venues
- Priority seating and accessibility services on public transport
- Cross-border recognition in other EU countries that participate in the European Disability Card scheme
SPID and CIE: Italy's Digital Identity Foundations
To understand IT-Wallet, it's essential to understand SPID and CIE, the two authentication systems that underpin Italy's digital identity ecosystem.
SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale)
SPID is Italy's public digital identity system, launched in 2016. It functions as a single sign-on (SSO) solution allowing citizens to access over 13,000 government and private services with one set of credentials.
SPID Adoption Statistics
- Active Identities: 41.5 million (as of October 2025)
- Penetration Rate: 83% of the adult population
- Supported Services: 13,000+ public and private platforms
- Identity Providers: Multiple certified providers (Poste Italiane, Aruba, Infocert, Sielte, etc.)
SPID Security Levels
SPID offers three security levels, aligned with eIDAS assurance levels:
- Level 1 (Low): Username and password (for low-risk services like viewing public information)
- Level 2 (Substantial): Two-factor authentication via SMS or OTP app (for most government services)
- Level 3 (High): Smart card or USB token with digital certificate (for high-security transactions like signing legal documents)
CIE (Carta di Identità Elettronica)
CIE is Italy's biometric electronic identity card, which serves both as a physical ID document and as a digital authentication method.
CIE Adoption Statistics
- Valid Cards Issued: 48.4 million (early 2026)
- CieID App Users: 9 million (+48% over 2024)
- Total Digital Identities: Nearly 90 million combined SPID + CIE credentials
CIE Functionality Evolution
Since 2023, CIE has evolved to offer SPID-like functionality. Citizens can now use the Electronic Identity Card for authentication via:
- CieID App: Mobile authentication using NFC to read the physical card
- QR Code: Access levels 1 and 2 without needing NFC card reading
- Desktop NFC Reader: For computer-based authentication
This convergence means SPID and CIE are becoming functionally equivalent for most use cases, providing redundancy and user choice in Italy's digital identity ecosystem.
SPID Identity Providers: Competitive Market
Unlike some countries with a single government-operated identity system, Italy's SPID operates as a competitive market with multiple certified identity providers:
- Poste Italiane (PosteID): Italy's postal service, the largest provider
- Aruba: IT services company, popular among businesses
- Infocert: Digital certification specialist
- Sielte: Telecommunications and digital services
- Namirial: Trust services and digital signatures
- Tim (TIM ID): Major telecommunications provider
- Intesa (Intesa ID): Banking group identity service
- Lepida: Regional digital infrastructure provider
This competitive model drives innovation and gives citizens choice in selecting an identity provider based on convenience, cost (most offer free basic SPID), and trust. All providers must meet AGID's technical and security standards, ensuring consistent security regardless of which provider you choose.
How SPID and CIE Relate to IT-Wallet
Critically, IT-Wallet does NOT provide independent authentication. You must have either:
- An active SPID identity from any certified provider (41.5M Italians already have one), OR
- A valid CIE with the CieID app configured (48.4M valid cards issued, 9M digital activations)
IT-Wallet is a complementary extension that stores and presents verified digital certificates (driver's license, health card, etc.) but relies on SPID or CIE for identity verification and authentication to the IO app. This separation of concerns means:
- Authentication Layer: SPID or CIE verifies "who you are"
- Credential Storage Layer: IT-Wallet stores "what credentials you have"
- Presentation Layer: IO app displays credentials to verifiers
This architecture allows Italy to leverage existing, mature authentication infrastructure (SPID since 2016, CIE digital since 2023) rather than building authentication from scratch.
The PagoPA IO App: Italy's Digital Services Platform
The IO app, developed by PagoPA S.p.A., is Italy's unified platform for digital public services. IT-Wallet is integrated directly into this existing, widely-adopted application.
What is PagoPA?
PagoPA S.p.A. is a public company owned by Italy's Ministry of Economy and Finance, created to digitize interactions between citizens and public administration. The company operates:
- IO App: Central platform for government communications and services
- PagoPA Payment System: Unified payment infrastructure for taxes, fines, and public fees
- Digital Public Services: Integration layer connecting thousands of government entities
IO App Features Beyond IT-Wallet
The IO app already served millions of Italians before IT-Wallet launch, providing:
- Government notifications (tax deadlines, fines, healthcare appointments)
- Payment for public services (taxes, school fees, traffic fines)
- COVID-19 Green Pass storage (during pandemic)
- Bonus and subsidy applications (housing, education, childcare)
- Citizen messaging from local and national government entities
By integrating IT-Wallet into the IO app rather than creating a standalone wallet, Italy leveraged existing user trust and familiarity, accelerating adoption.
How to Set Up IT-Wallet
Setting up IT-Wallet requires an existing SPID identity or CIE, along with the IO app.
Prerequisites
- Active SPID identity (Level 2 or higher recommended) OR valid CIE with CieID app
- Smartphone (iOS or Android) with NFC capability
- PagoPA IO app installed (free on App Store and Google Play)
- Physical documents you want to add (driver's license, health card, disability card)
Initial Setup Process
- Download and Install IO App: If you don't already have it, download the IO app from your device's app store.
- Authenticate with SPID or CIE: Open the IO app and log in using your SPID credentials or CIE via the CieID app.
- Navigate to Wallet Section: Once logged in, tap the "Portafoglio" (Wallet) section in the app's main menu.
- Add Documents: Select which documents you want to add to your digital wallet. The app will guide you through document-specific setup.
Adding Specific Documents
Driver's License (Patente di Guida)
- Tap "Aggiungi Patente" (Add Driver's License)
- The app connects to the Motorizzazione Civile (DMV) database
- Verify the license details displayed match your physical license
- Confirm to add the digital license to your wallet
Health Insurance Card (Tessera Sanitaria)
- Tap "Aggiungi Tessera Sanitaria" (Add Health Card)
- The app connects to the Sistema Tessera Sanitaria database
- Verify your health insurance information
- Confirm to add the digital card to your wallet
Disability Card (Carta Europea della Disabilità)
- Tap "Aggiungi Carta Europea della Disabilità" (Add European Disability Card)
- The app verifies your eligibility through INPS (National Social Security Institute) records
- Review the disability benefits and access rights displayed
- Confirm to add the digital card to your wallet
Using IT-Wallet Offline
After documents are added, you can present them even without internet connectivity. The offline mode works by:
- Storing cryptographically signed credentials locally on your device
- Generating time-limited QR codes or visual displays that can be verified without network access
- Periodically refreshing credentials when you regain connectivity to ensure up-to-date information
Security & Privacy Architecture
IT-Wallet inherits the security infrastructure of SPID and CIE, both of which comply with eIDAS and GDPR requirements.
Multi-Factor Authentication
All IT-Wallet access requires SPID Level 2+ or CIE authentication, which mandates two-factor authentication (2FA) at minimum. This ensures that even if your phone is stolen, your digital documents cannot be accessed without your SPID password + OTP code or your CIE PIN.
Biometric Protection
The IO app supports biometric unlocking (fingerprint or Face ID) as a convenience layer. However, biometrics alone cannot authorize document sharing—you must still authenticate with SPID or CIE for sensitive operations.
Data Minimization and Selective Disclosure
When presenting digital documents, IT-Wallet allows selective attribute sharing. For example:
- Age verification: Share only "over 18" status, not full birth date or license number
- Health insurance verification: Share coverage status without revealing medical history
- Disability access: Share access rights without disclosing specific disability details
GDPR Compliance
As a public service managed by PagoPA S.p.A. (a government-owned company), IT-Wallet is subject to strict GDPR and Italian data protection laws. The system:
- Does not process data for commercial or advertising purposes
- Provides full transparency about data collection and usage
- Allows users to delete their digital wallet at any time
- Logs all data sharing events for user audit and dispute resolution
Open Source and Transparency
Much of the IO app's codebase is open source and available on public repositories, allowing independent security researchers to audit the implementation. This transparency builds public trust and accelerates bug discovery and patching.
Italy's Digital Transformation Journey
Italy's rapid IT-Wallet adoption builds on a decade-long digital transformation journey orchestrated by AGID. Understanding this evolution explains why Italy could launch ahead of the EU deadline.
Historical Milestones (2012-2024)
2012-2015: Early Foundations
- 2012: Italy's Digital Agenda launched to comply with EU digital strategy
- 2013: AGID established to coordinate national digitalization
- 2014: CIE 3.0 (electronic ID card) rollout begins with NFC chip technology
- 2015: eIDAS Regulation adopted by EU, creating cross-border recognition framework
2016-2019: SPID Growth Phase
- March 2016: SPID officially launches with first identity providers certified
- 2017: Government services begin requiring SPID for online access
- 2018: 3 million SPID users, gradual adoption among early tech adopters
- 2019: 4.5 million SPID users, private sector services begin integration
2020-2021: Pandemic Acceleration
- March 2020: COVID-19 pandemic forces digital service adoption
- 2020: IO app launches for government communications and COVID-19 information
- 2021: SPID explodes to 24 million users (COVID emergency benefits require SPID)
- 2021: Green Pass (vaccination certificate) integrated into IO app
- 2021: PagoPA payment platform reaches 20,000 connected public administrations
2022-2023: Digital Identity Maturation
- 2022: SPID reaches 32 million users (54% of adult population)
- 2023: CIE gains digital authentication capability (CieID app launch)
- July 2023: SPID surpasses 36 million users
- 2023: AGID begins IT-Wallet architecture planning for eIDAS 2.0 compliance
2024: IT-Wallet Launch
- April 2024: eIDAS 2.0 regulation signed into EU law
- May 2024: eIDAS 2.0 enters into force
- November 2024: IT-Wallet pilot testing with select user groups
- December 4, 2024: IT-Wallet public launch via IO app
- December 2024: 4 million users, 7 million documents within first month
2025: Consolidation and Expansion
- 2025: Offline IT-Wallet capability added
- 2025: SPID reaches 41.5 million users (October)
- 2025: CieID app reaches 9 million users (+48% over 2024)
- 2025: Additional document types added to IT-Wallet roadmap
- 2025: Cross-border testing begins with EU partners
What This Journey Teaches
Italy's experience demonstrates several critical success factors for digital identity adoption:
- Crisis as Catalyst: COVID-19 emergency forced 20M Italians to adopt SPID for benefits
- Incremental Deployment: SPID launched in 2016, matured for 8 years before IT-Wallet
- Multiple Choices: Competitive identity provider market gives users control
- Existing Apps: Integrating IT-Wallet into established IO app (not new app) reduces friction
- Real Use Cases: Each credential (driver's license, health card) solves immediate user problem
- Government Mandate: Many government services require digital authentication
🟡 Lessons for Other EU Countries
Italy's success with IT-Wallet wasn't overnight—it built on 8+ years of SPID maturation and COVID-19's forced digital adoption. Countries lacking mature digital ID infrastructure may struggle to meet the December 2026 deadline without Italy's historical foundation. The competitive identity provider market (8 certified SPID providers) also created innovation pressure that single-government-provider models may lack.
Government, Healthcare, and Banking Use Cases
IT-Wallet's integration with SPID and CIE enables access to thousands of public and private services across Italy. Here are the major use case categories.
Government Services (Pubblica Amministrazione)
Over 13,000 government services now accept SPID/CIE authentication, accessible through IT-Wallet:
National Government
- Tax Services (Agenzia delle Entrate): File income tax, request refunds, manage tax code
- Social Security (INPS): Access pension statements, request benefits, manage contributions
- Vehicle Registry (PRA): Register vehicles, transfer ownership, check vehicle history
- Driver's License (Motorizzazione): Renew licenses, check points, access digital license
- Ministry of Interior: Residence certificates, criminal record checks, passport applications
- Labor Services: Unemployment benefits, job search assistance, vocational training enrollment
Regional and Municipal
- Health Services: Book medical appointments, access health records, manage prescriptions
- Education: School enrollment, university applications, scholarship applications
- Social Services: Childcare subsidies, housing assistance, disability services
- Public Transport: Season ticket applications, senior discounts, disability passes
- Cultural Services: Museum passes, library cards, event registrations
Healthcare Services (Sistema Sanitario Nazionale)
The Tessera Sanitaria (health insurance card) integration makes IT-Wallet particularly valuable for healthcare interactions:
Digital Tessera Sanitaria Features
- Hospital Registration: Expedited emergency room check-in without physical card
- Prescription Access: View and manage e-prescriptions from doctors
- Pharmacy Services: Pick up medications using digital health card
- Medical Records: Access vaccination records, lab results, medical history
- Specialist Appointments: Book and manage appointments with specialists
- Reimbursements: Submit healthcare expense reimbursement claims digitally
- COVID-19 Records: Access vaccination certificates and test results
Cross-Regional Healthcare Access
Italy's healthcare system is regionally administered, but the digital Tessera Sanitaria works nationwide. If you need medical care while traveling in Italy, your digital health card provides immediate proof of insurance coverage without bureaucratic delays.
Banking and Financial Services
Italian banks and financial institutions have rapidly adopted SPID for customer authentication, and many are preparing to integrate EUDI Wallet credentials by the end of 2027 (EU requirement).
Current Banking Use Cases
- Account Opening: Open bank accounts remotely using SPID Level 3 authentication
- KYC Verification: Satisfy anti-money laundering (AML) requirements with digital ID
- Loan Applications: Mortgage and personal loan applications without in-person visits
- Credit Cards: Apply for credit cards with instant digital identity verification
- Investment Accounts: Open brokerage and investment accounts remotely
- Online Banking Login: Secure bank account access with SPID instead of passwords
Post-2027 EUDI Wallet Requirements
eIDAS 2.0 requires all EU financial institutions to accept EUDI Wallets by end of 2027 for:
- Customer due diligence (KYC/AML compliance)
- Account opening and maintenance
- Strong customer authentication (SCA) for payments
- Cross-border financial services
Italian banks like Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, and Banco BPM are already testing EUDI Wallet integration to prepare for this deadline, positioning Italy's financial sector ahead of many EU countries.
Private Sector and Commercial Services
Beyond government and banking, Italian businesses are increasingly adopting SPID/IT-Wallet:
Insurance
- Car insurance quotes and policy issuance
- Health insurance enrollment
- Claims submission and processing
Telecommunications
- Mobile phone contracts
- Home internet service registration
- SIM card activation (anti-fraud requirement)
Real Estate and Legal
- Rental agreements and lease contracts
- Property purchase documentation
- Notary services and legal signatures
Age-Restricted Services
- Online gambling and lottery
- Alcohol and tobacco purchases
- Adult content verification
CIE Integration: Physical to Digital Bridge
The Carta di Identità Elettronica (Electronic Identity Card) represents Italy's bridge between physical and digital identity. Understanding CIE's evolution is critical to understanding IT-Wallet.
CIE 3.0: The Current Standard
Italy began issuing CIE 3.0 cards in 2016, replacing the old paper ID cards. CIE 3.0 features:
- Biometric Data: Fingerprint and facial image stored on chip
- NFC Technology: Contactless reading via smartphones and card readers
- Cryptographic Security: Public key infrastructure for authentication
- EU Compliance: Meets eIDAS substantial assurance level requirements
- 10-Year Validity: Reduces renewal frequency compared to old 5-year paper IDs
CieID App: Digital Authentication Since 2023
The CieID mobile app (launched 2023) transformed CIE from a physical-only document to a digital authentication method:
How CieID Works
- Download CieID app (free on iOS and Android)
- Place your CIE card on your phone's NFC reader
- Enter your CIE PIN (received when card was issued)
- App reads cryptographic keys from card's chip
- Set up biometric authentication (fingerprint or Face ID) for future logins
- Use CieID to authenticate to government services (SPID-equivalent functionality)
CieID vs SPID: Which to Use?
As of 2023, CieID provides access to the same government services as SPID at security levels 1 and 2. The choice depends on your situation:
| Factor | SPID | CieID |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 10-60 minutes (identity verification required) | 5 minutes (if you have CIE) |
| Hardware Needed | Smartphone (for OTP) | Smartphone with NFC + CIE card |
| Provider Choice | 8 certified providers | Government-issued only |
| Security Level | Levels 1, 2, or 3 | Levels 1 and 2 only |
| Cost | Free (basic) or paid (premium features) | Free |
Most Italians have both SPID and CIE capability, using whichever is more convenient for a given situation. IT-Wallet accepts both authentication methods interchangeably.
CIE Adoption Statistics
- 48.4 million valid CIE cards issued (early 2026)
- 82% of Italian population holds a valid CIE
- 9 million CieID app activations (digital authentication)
- 48% growth in CieID users from 2024 to 2025
- Combined 90 million digital identities (SPID + CIE credentials)
🟢 Redundancy Builds Resilience
Italy's dual authentication system (SPID + CIE) provides redundancy. If a citizen has issues with one identity provider, they can use the other. This redundancy prevented service disruptions during peak COVID-19 demand when some SPID providers experienced technical difficulties.
IT-Wallet vs. EUDI Wallet: The Transition Plan
A common question: What happens to IT-Wallet when the EUDI Wallet becomes mandatory in December 2026?
Two Parallel Systems (Temporary)
As of early 2026, Italy operates IT-Wallet independently of the EUDI Wallet framework. IT-Wallet and EUDI Wallet are based on nearly identical technical concepts (verifiable credentials, selective disclosure, cryptographic security), but they are separate projects:
- IT-Wallet: National Italian system, operational since December 2024
- EUDI Wallet: EU-wide system, required by December 2026
Convergence by December 2026
Italy has committed to full EUDI Wallet compliance by the December 2026 deadline. The government is pursuing one of two paths:
Option 1: IT-Wallet Becomes EUDI-Certified
The IO app's IT-Wallet functionality is upgraded to meet EUDI Wallet technical specifications, allowing it to be certified as one of Italy's official EUDI Wallets. Users experience no disruption—their existing documents and credentials seamlessly transition to EUDI-compliant format.
Option 2: Separate EUDI Wallet, IT-Wallet Coexists
Italy certifies a distinct EUDI Wallet (potentially a new app or a separate section within IO app) while maintaining IT-Wallet for domestic use. Users can choose which wallet to use based on whether they need cross-border (EUDI) or domestic-only (IT-Wallet) functionality.
Cross-Border Testing (Mid-2026)
Cross-border interoperability testing is scheduled for mid-2026, where Italy will test EUDI Wallet credential exchange with other EU member states. These tests will determine whether IT-Wallet's current architecture can support cross-border use or requires additional development.
Adoption Drivers and Challenges
Italy's rapid IT-Wallet adoption (4 million users in weeks) is driven by several factors, but challenges remain.
Success Factors
Existing Digital Identity Adoption
With 41.5 million SPID users and 48.4 million valid CIE cards, Italy has one of Europe's highest digital identity adoption rates. Citizens are already comfortable with digital authentication, reducing the learning curve for IT-Wallet.
IO App Familiarity
Millions of Italians already use the IO app for government services and payments. Integrating IT-Wallet into a trusted, familiar app removes the friction of downloading and learning a new application.
COVID-19 Digital Credential Experience
Italy's COVID-19 Green Pass system (also hosted in the IO app) familiarized citizens with digital health credentials and QR code verification. This prior experience smoothed the transition to IT-Wallet.
Government Endorsement and Promotion
The Italian government heavily promoted IT-Wallet through public awareness campaigns, highlighting convenience (no need to carry physical cards) and security (biometric protection, theft prevention).
Remaining Challenges
Device and Digital Literacy Barriers
Not all citizens have smartphones with NFC capability or sufficient digital literacy to use IT-Wallet. Elderly populations and economically disadvantaged groups may struggle with the digital-first approach.
Italy must maintain physical document systems in parallel to avoid excluding these populations, increasing administrative overhead.
Private Sector Acceptance
While government services fully accept IT-Wallet credentials, private sector adoption (banks, car rental companies, hotels, etc.) is still developing. Businesses need clear legal frameworks defining liability if they accept an invalid or fraudulent digital credential.
Cross-Border Uncertainty
Until EUDI Wallet compliance is achieved, Italians cannot use IT-Wallet credentials in other EU countries. This limits utility for frequent travelers and cross-border workers, potentially slowing adoption among these groups.
Timeline & Future Roadmap
Italy's IT-Wallet journey spans over a decade of digital infrastructure development. This comprehensive timeline shows how AGID systematically built the foundation for early EUDI Wallet compliance.
Historical Milestones (2013-2024)
Foundation Phase (2013-2016)
- 2013: AGID established to coordinate Italy's digital transformation
- 2014: CIE 3.0 (electronic ID with NFC chip) begins rollout
- 2015: EU adopts eIDAS Regulation, requiring member state compliance
- March 2016: SPID officially launches with first certified identity providers
Growth Phase (2017-2019)
- 2017: CIE rollout expands nationwide, replacing old paper ID cards
- 2017: Government services begin requiring SPID for online access
- 2018: SPID reaches 3 million users
- 2019: SPID reaches 4.5 million users, private sector adoption begins
- 2019: PagoPA payment platform development accelerates
Pandemic Acceleration (2020-2021)
- March 2020: COVID-19 pandemic forces rapid digital service adoption
- 2020: IO app launches for government communications and payments
- 2020: Emergency COVID-19 benefits require SPID, driving mass adoption
- 2021: SPID explodes to 24 million users (500% growth in one year)
- 2021: Green Pass (vaccination certificate) integrated into IO app
- 2021: PagoPA platform reaches 20,000 connected public administrations
Maturation Phase (2022-2023)
- 2022: SPID reaches 32 million users (54% of adults)
- 2022: AGID begins planning for eIDAS 2.0 compliance
- 2023: CIE gains digital authentication via CieID app launch
- July 2023: SPID surpasses 36 million users
- 2023: AGID publishes IT-Wallet architecture specifications
- 2023: PagoPA begins IT-Wallet integration development
IT-Wallet Launch (2024)
- April 20, 2024: eIDAS 2.0 regulation signed into EU law
- May 20, 2024: eIDAS 2.0 enters into force (24-month countdown begins)
- June 2024: AGID announces IT-Wallet pilot program
- November 2024: IT-Wallet pilot testing with 100,000 selected users
- December 4, 2024: IT-Wallet public launch via IO app (all citizens)
- December 31, 2024: 4 million users, 7 million documents activated
Consolidation Phase (2025)
- Q1 2025: Offline IT-Wallet capability added for disconnected usage
- Q2 2025: Additional credential types announced (student IDs, professional licenses)
- October 2025: SPID reaches 41.5 million users (70% of adults)
- 2025: CieID app reaches 9 million users (+48% over 2024)
- Q4 2025: Cross-border testing begins with Germany, France, Belgium
Upcoming Milestones (2026-2030) 🟡
EUDI Wallet Transition (2026)
- Q1 2026: IT-Wallet user base grows to 6-8 million (estimated)
- Q2 2026: Intensive cross-border interoperability testing with all EU member states
- Q3 2026: Additional document types added:
- Student ID cards (university enrollment verification)
- Professional licenses (doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects)
- Business registration certificates
- Tax ID documents
- September 2026: AGID publishes final EUDI Wallet technical specifications
- November 2026: IT-Wallet 2.0 update with full eIDAS 2.0 compliance
- December 20, 2026: Italy declares EUDI Wallet compliance (regulatory deadline)
Banking Integration (2027)
- Q1 2027: Major Italian banks complete EUDI Wallet integration testing
- Q2 2027: Remote bank account opening via EUDI Wallet becomes standard
- Q3 2027: Insurance companies adopt EUDI Wallet for policy issuance
- December 31, 2027: EU deadline for financial institutions to accept EUDI Wallet
Mass Adoption (2028-2030)
- 2028: Target 15-20 million IT-Wallet users (25-33% of population)
- 2029: Target 30-35 million users (50-60% of population)
- 2030: Target 40-48 million users (80% of adult population)
- 2030: Cross-border EUDI Wallet usage becomes routine for travel, work, education
Rollout Strategy and Adoption Targets
AGID's rollout strategy prioritizes gradual, sustainable adoption rather than forced mass migration. The phased approach focuses on:
Phase 1: Early Adopters (2024-2025) ✅ Complete
- Target: 4-5 million users
- Focus: Tech-savvy citizens already using SPID and IO app
- Documents: Driver's license, health card, disability card
- Outcome: 4 million users achieved by early 2026
Phase 2: Expansion (2026)
- Target: 10-12 million users by December 2026
- Focus: Mainstream adoption through marketing campaigns
- Documents: Add student IDs, professional licenses, business certificates
- Key Enabler: Cross-border use cases (EU travel, remote work)
Phase 3: Banking Integration (2027)
- Target: 18-22 million users by December 2027
- Focus: Financial services adoption (mandatory for banks)
- Documents: Financial credentials, payment instruments
- Key Enabler: Remote account opening, simplified KYC processes
Phase 4: Critical Mass (2028-2030)
- Target: 40-48 million users by 2030 (80% of adults)
- Focus: Universal adoption as digital becomes default
- Documents: Comprehensive credential ecosystem (government, health, education, finance)
- Key Enabler: Network effects (everyone has it, so businesses support it)
🟡 Realistic Timeline Considerations
These adoption targets are ambitious but achievable given Italy's SPID experience (41.5M users reached in 9 years). However, reaching 80% adoption by 2030 requires sustained government commitment, continued private sector integration, and avoiding major security incidents that could erode public trust. Countries like Estonia (95% digital ID adoption) show high penetration is possible, but it requires decades of consistent investment and cultural acceptance.
Cross-Border Use and EUDI Wallet Integration
Once Italy achieves full EUDI Wallet compliance by December 2026, Italian digital credentials will be recognized across all 27 EU member states.
Planned Cross-Border Use Cases
- Renting cars in other EU countries with digital driver's license
- Accessing healthcare in other EU countries with European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) integration
- Opening bank accounts in other EU countries without in-person verification
- Age verification for online purchases across the EU
- Hotel check-ins without surrendering physical ID documents
- Business registration and professional license verification for cross-border work
Official Resources & Support
For the latest information, troubleshooting, and support, consult these official Italian government sources:
Primary Resources
- AGID Official Website - Italy's Digital Agency, lead organization for IT-Wallet and EUDI Wallet implementation
- Innovazione.gov.it - Official IT-Wallet announcements and digital transformation updates
- IO App Official Website - Download the app and access user guides
SPID and CIE Resources
- Identità Digitale Portal (AGID) - SPID information and certified identity provider list
- SPID Official Website - How to get SPID, provider comparison, supported services
- CIE Official Website (English) - Electronic Identity Card information and CieID app
Technical Documentation
- Docs Italia - Technical documentation for developers integrating with Italian digital services
- PagoPA Official Website - Information about PagoPA S.p.A. and the IO app platform
Support Channels
- IO App Support: In-app help section and chatbot
- SPID Support: Contact your chosen identity provider directly
- CIE Support: Municipality offices that issued your CIE card
- General Inquiries: Contact AGID via agid.gov.it contact forms
Information Accuracy
This guide is based on official Italian government sources (AGID, Innovazione.gov.it, IdentitàDigitale.gov.it) and verified IO app functionality as of February 2026. IT-Wallet is a live, operational system with 4 million users and 7 million documents stored. App name (IT-Wallet), authentication methods (SPID, CIE), lead agency (AGID), pilot participation, and launch date (December 4, 2024) are all verified. Future milestones and adoption targets are estimated based on regulatory deadlines and AGID's published roadmaps. Additional documents and features will be added throughout 2026 as Italy transitions to full EUDI Wallet compliance. Check agid.gov.it, innovazione.gov.it, and io.italia.it for the most current information.