The European Union (EU) is launching the “EU Digital Identity Wallet”, a project designed to allow citizens to securely store their identity cards, diplomas, driver’s licenses, and other official documents in digital form.
The new system is expected to be rolled out across all member states by 2026.
Citizens Take Control of Their Identity
According to the European Commission, the digital identity wallet will enable citizens to store identity information, university diplomas, or health records directly on their smartphones.
When accessing online services, users will be able to share only the necessary information — for example, confirming that they are “over 18” without disclosing their exact date of birth.
The system is based on decentralized identity (DID) technology.
Instead of being stored in a single centralized database, personal data is kept securely on users’ devices or within blockchain-based infrastructures that ensure privacy and authenticity.
Coming with eIDAS 2.0
The project is being developed under the eIDAS 2.0 regulation, which updates the EU’s digital identity standards.
The new framework requires each member state to offer citizens a voluntary digital identity wallet, enabling them to access both public and private sector services across Europe using a single, trusted digital identity.
Pilot Tests Underway
As of 2023, the European Commission has funded several pilot programs to test the digital identity wallet in real-world scenarios.
These pilots include:
- Digital driver’s licenses
- University diploma verification
- Health data sharing
- Banking logins
Security and Privacy First
The EU emphasizes that the system is being developed with a “privacy by design” approach.
User data is encrypted and stored locally on the device, while authentication relies on modern cryptographic techniques such as Zero-Knowledge Proofs — allowing individuals to prove who they are without revealing their full identity.
