Politics · Germany · 17 hrs ago
German parliament approves legal basis for digital ID wallet
Germany’s parliament approved the legal basis for a digital ID wallet that is planned to launch in 2027.
The app, called d-you, is meant to let people store their ID cards on a phone and prove who they are online to public authorities and businesses.
Germany is acting under an EU rule requiring each member country to provide a digital ID app.
Over time, other documents, including driving licences, are also expected to be added.
The law would also let people who were at least 70 when they applied for their last ID card keep using it without renewing it after 10 years.
Passport holders would no longer have to visit an office to update their address after moving.
The law still needs the Bundesrat’s approval, and the start date for the other rule changes has not been set.
The Bundestag has approved the legal basis for a digital wallet that will let people store an identity card on their smartphones.
The app, called “d-you,” is expected to begin operating on 2 January 2027.
Users are expected to be able to identify themselves online to public authorities and businesses.
The wallet is part of Germany’s implementation of an EU regulation requiring member states to provide a digital identity application.
The bill also includes changes to identity-card renewal rules for some older people and to passport procedures after a move.
- Who
- The German Bundestag approved the bill.
- What
- It provides the legal basis for a digital identity wallet called “d-you.
- When
- The Bundestag approved it on 20 October 2026. The wallet is expected to begin operating on 2 January 2027.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- To provide a legal basis for a smartphone identity wallet and implement an EU regulation requiring each member state to offer a digital identity application.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Bundestag approved the bill providing the legal basis for the digital wallet.
The “d-you” wallet is expected to begin operating.
- Wallet name
- d-you
- Planned start of operation
- 2 January 2027
- Identity document
- German identity card
- Parliamentary status
- Approved by the Bundestag; the bill still needs to pass the Bundesrat
- Older cardholders
- People who were at least 70 when they applied for their last identity card are expected to be able to keep it indefinitely
- Passport after a move
- Holders will not have to visit an office to update their address in the passport