Germany to launch d-you digital identity wallet in January 2027

Germany is preparing to launch 'd-you', a state-backed digital wallet designed to store official documents such as identity cards, driver's licenses, and certificates on mobile devices. The rollout is scheduled to begin on January 2, 2027, with approximately 50 partner organizations expected to be connected at launch.

The application is being developed in accordance with the European Union's eIDAS 2.0 regulation, which requires member states to provide digital wallets by the end of 2026. The d-you wallet will allow citizens to present credentials digitally using unified European standards. Implementation will be gradual, starting with the national identity card, followed by driver's licenses and integration with the healthcare sector.

While the service will be free and voluntary, consumer advocates and industry experts have raised concerns regarding technical barriers. Successful setup requires the PIN from the online identification function. Data from Bitkom indicates low activation rates for this function among the public. To address potential access issues, a process was established in October 2026 to allow users to reset their PINs via mail through a personal identification process.