The EU Digital Identity Wallet Explained
The European Union Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) is a secure mobile application that enables EU citizens to prove their identity, store official documents, and share verified credentials digitally across all 27 member states.
Think of it as a digital version of your physical wallet, but much smarter. Instead of carrying plastic ID cards, paper driver's licenses, and health insurance cards, you store verified digital versions on your smartphone.
Why the EU Created the EUDI Wallet
The EU launched the EUDI Wallet initiative to solve several problems:
- Fragmentation: Each EU country had different digital identity systems that didn't work across borders
- Privacy concerns: People were forced to share more personal data than necessary (like showing your full birthdate just to prove you're over 18)
- Digital inclusion: Not everyone had access to secure digital identity verification
- Security risks: Physical documents can be lost, stolen, or forged more easily than digital credentials
How the EUDI Wallet Works
The Basics
The EUDI Wallet operates on three core principles:
1. Selective Disclosure
Share only what's needed. Proving you're over 18? The wallet confirms "yes" without revealing your exact birthdate. This is called "zero-knowledge proof" - you prove a fact without exposing the underlying data.
2. User Control
You decide what to share and with whom. Every data request requires your explicit consent. No one can access your documents without your permission - not even the government that issued them.
3. Interoperability
Works everywhere in the EU. Your Polish EUDI Wallet works in Spain, Germany, France - all 27 countries. The technical standards (ARF 2.7.3) ensure seamless cross-border operation.
Technical Implementation
Under the hood, the EUDI Wallet uses:
- End-to-end encryption: Data is encrypted on your device and can only be decrypted by authorized recipients
- Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES): Legally binding digital signatures equivalent to handwritten ones
- NFC technology: Read your physical ID card to create the digital version
- QR codes: Quick verification in person (show a QR code, scanner verifies)
- Offline verification: Works without internet connection for basic checks
- Decentralized architecture: Your data stays on your device, not in a central government database
Timeline: When Is It Available?
| Date | Milestone | Status |
|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | eIDAS 2.0 Regulation entered into force | ✅ Complete |
| 2023-2025 | Large-scale pilots (4 consortia, 350+ entities, 26 countries) | ✅ Complete |
| November 2024 | Commission implementing acts published | ✅ Complete |
| December 2025 | ARF 2.7.3 technical framework released | ✅ Complete |
| December 2026 | All 27 EU countries must provide EUDI Wallet | 🔵 In Progress |
| December 2027 | Mandatory acceptance by banks, telecoms, VLOPs | ⚪ Upcoming |
Who Provides the EUDI Wallet?
Each EU member state provides its own EUDI Wallet app, but all follow the same technical standards to ensure interoperability. For example:
- Poland: mObywatel 3.0 (Ministry of Digital Affairs)
- Italy: IT-Wallet (AGID - Italian Digital Agency)
- Estonia: e-Estonia Wallet (piloting)
- Germany: EUDI Wallet Germany (Bundesdruckerei)
- Netherlands: G0-wallet (planned)
See all 27 country implementations →
Use Cases: What Can You Do With It?
Government Services
- Access online government portals without separate login credentials
- File taxes and official documents
- Register change of address
- Apply for permits and licenses
Banking & Finance
- Open bank accounts online (strong customer authentication)
- Apply for loans and mortgages
- Verify identity for payment services
- Access financial records securely
Travel
- Hotel check-in without physical ID
- Car rental verification
- Airport identity checks (mobile boarding pass + ID in one app)
- Cross-border travel within EU
Healthcare
- Store European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- Share medical prescriptions across countries
- Access medical records securely
- Verify vaccination certificates
Education & Employment
- Share diplomas and educational credentials
- Verify professional qualifications across borders
- Apply for jobs with verified credentials
- Access university services
Security & Privacy
How Your Data Is Protected
The EUDI Wallet implements multiple layers of security:
- Device-level storage: Credentials stored in secure element (like a mini-vault) on your phone
- Biometric authentication: Face ID, fingerprint, or PIN required to unlock
- No central database: Your data isn't stored on government servers - it stays on your device
- Encryption at rest and in transit: Data encrypted even if someone steals your phone
- Revocation capability: Lost your phone? Remote lock and revoke credentials immediately
- Audit trails: See who requested your data and when (you have full transparency)
Privacy by Design
The EUDI Wallet is built with privacy as a core principle, not an afterthought. Key privacy features:
- Minimal data disclosure: Share only the specific attribute needed (age verification without birthdate)
- No tracking: Service providers can't track when/where you use your wallet
- GDPR compliant: Full compliance with EU data protection regulations
- User consent required: Every data share requires explicit permission
- Right to be forgotten: Delete credentials and usage history anytime
Comparison: EUDI Wallet vs Traditional ID
| Feature | Physical ID Card | EUDI Wallet |
|---|---|---|
| Selective disclosure | ❌ Must show entire card | ✅ Share only what's needed |
| Cross-border use | ✅ Works in EU | ✅ Works in all 27 EU countries |
| Online verification | ⚠️ Limited (need card reader) | ✅ Built for online use |
| Lost/stolen recovery | ⚠️ Slow (visit government office) | ✅ Instant remote lock + revoke |
| Cost to replace | €20-50 | Free (digital re-issue) |
| Multiple documents | ⚠️ Carry many cards | ✅ All in one app |
| Privacy protection | ❌ Full data visible | ✅ Selective disclosure |
Getting Started
To get your EUDI Wallet:
- Wait for launch: Your country must provide the wallet by December 2026
- Download the app: From official App Store or Google Play (free)
- Verify your identity: Use existing national ID card + NFC or biometric verification
- Add credentials: Start with ID card, then add driver's license, health card, etc.
- Start using it: Use for online authentication, in-person verification, document sharing
Find your country's EUDI Wallet and launch timeline →
Common Concerns Addressed
"I don't want the government tracking me"
The EUDI Wallet is specifically designed to prevent tracking. Your data stays on your device, not in a central database. The government that issued your ID cannot see when or where you use it. Service providers cannot track your usage across different services. You have full transparency - the wallet shows you an audit log of every data request.
"What if I lose my phone?"
You can remotely lock and revoke your EUDI Wallet credentials immediately from another device or through your government's online portal. Then simply download the app on a new phone and re-issue your credentials (free). This is actually faster and cheaper than replacing a lost physical ID card.
"I'm not tech-savvy"
The EUDI Wallet is designed for everyone, regardless of technical skill. If you can use a smartphone camera or messaging app, you can use the wallet. Setup takes about 5 minutes. Plus, you can continue using physical documents if you prefer - the wallet is optional.
"What if the system gets hacked?"
The decentralized design makes large-scale hacks nearly impossible. There's no central database to breach. Each wallet is protected by device-level security (secure element), biometric authentication, and end-to-end encryption. It's actually more secure than physical documents, which can be forged or stolen.
The Future of Digital Identity
The EUDI Wallet is just the beginning. By 2030, the EU expects:
- 80% adoption: 360 million EU citizens using EUDI Wallets
- Global interoperability: Recognition beyond EU borders (partnerships with US, UK, others)
- Expanded use cases: Digital euro integration, smart contracts, IoT device authorization
- Private sector innovation: Third-party apps building on EUDI Wallet infrastructure
The EUDI Wallet represents a fundamental shift in how we prove who we are online and offline - putting control back in citizens' hands while making digital services more accessible, secure, and privacy-friendly.