September 11, 2026, 11:50 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The ID card is set to be available digitally on smartphones in the future. The German government has now introduced the name of the German digital wallet as “d-you.” The launch is planned for January 2, 2027.
The Digital ID Is Coming
“D-you” is the German implementation of the European EUDI Wallet. It aims to make important documents directly available on smartphones. Initially, the digital ID card is planned for launch. Later, items such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, diplomas, tickets, and health insurance cards are expected to follow.
The benefits are expected to be particularly noticeable in digital transactions and dealings with authorities. Instead of uploading a copy of an ID or repeatedly entering personal data, users could verify their identity directly with their smartphones. About 40 providers are expected to participate at the start, including banks, the postal service, energy suppliers, universities, and municipalities. Age verification, account openings, and digital contract signings are also expected to be possible.
Also of interest: Driver’s license goes digital in the i-Kfz app
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Disclosing Less Data
A key advantage of the wallet is the controlled handling of personal data. For example, if someone needs to prove their age online, they could simply confirm they are of legal age. Name, address, and date of birth would not need to be disclosed. The verifications are stored encrypted on the smartphone and activated via PIN or biometric release.
A central database with complete citizen profiles is not planned. Users should also be able to track which company requested what information and when. The digital driver’s license is expected to be available via the i-Kfz app by the end of 2026. However, a simple photo or scan of the driver’s license will still not suffice during a check.
Convenience with Open Questions
The concept is not without risks, however. Critics see the danger that permanently signed digital verifications could become particularly attractive to criminals in the event of a data leak. Digital age checks could also be problematic if they increasingly restrict anonymity on the internet.
It also remains to be seen how “d-you” will perform in everyday life. What happens if a smartphone is lost or the battery is dead? The wallet is supposed to lock and be restorable on a new device. Usage remains voluntary and free of charge; the traditional ID card remains valid. Whether “d-you” will actually reduce paperwork or just become another app on the smartphone will only become clear after the launch.