Politics · Germany · 7 hrs ago
Germany plans digital ID app and changes to identity document rules
Germany’s Bundestag passed a legal basis for digital identity documents and other changes to ID rules.
The wallet app, called d-you, is planned to launch on 2 January 2027 and will let people store their national ID card on a smartphone.
People will be able to use it to identify themselves online to public authorities and businesses, and other documents such as driving licences may be added later.
The app is voluntary, and the government plans for it eventually to work as proof of identity in person too.
Some people aged 70 or older can keep using an expired ID card if they were at least 70 when they applied for their last one, while passport holders will no longer have to update the address in their passport after moving.
The changes are intended to reduce paperwork for residents and public offices.
The bill still needs approval from the Bundesrat, and the exact date when the other rules will take effect is not yet clear.
Germany’s Bundestag has approved a legal basis for a digital wallet app that will let people store their identity cards on smartphones.
The app, called d-you, is planned to begin operating on 2 January 2027.
Use of the app will be voluntary, and other documents such as driving licences are expected to be added over time.
The legislation would also let some older people keep using expired identity cards and would end the requirement to update a passport’s address after a move.
The Bundesrat still has to approve the legislation.
- Who
- The German Bundestag approved the legislation; the app is intended for people in Germany.
- What
- The plans include a digital identity wallet and changes to identity document rules.
- When
- The Bundestag approved the legislation on 15 October 2026. The app is planned to start on 2 January 2027.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- The digital wallet implements an EU requirement for member states to provide a smartphone identity app. Other measures aim to reduce paperwork and administrative work.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Bundestag approved the legal basis for the digital wallet and changes to identity document rules.
The d-you digital wallet is planned to begin operating.
- App name
- d-you
- Planned launch
- 2 January 2027
- Older cardholders
- People who were 70 or older when they applied for their last identity card could keep using it after expiry.
- Passport address
- No address change in a passport would be required after a move.
- Estimated applications avoided
- About 285,000 identity card applications a year.
- Estimated address updates avoided
- About 1.2 million at government offices.
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What people are saying
Applying for a new document can involve a great deal of individual effort as people get older.