The EUDI Wallet is coming: What you need to know to get started

The EUDI Wallet, a digital wallet for your smartphone, is set to launch in January 2027 and make everyday digital life easier. It will allow you to prove your identity digitally and, over time, manage other digital credentials in one place. 

What is the EUDI Wallet?

EUDI stands for European Digital Identity. The government-backed wallet will be available as an app and is due to launch in Germany under the name “d-you” in early 2027.

The app will allow people to securely prove their identity to participating online services throughout the EU. Other digital credentials are set to be added gradually, such as a digital driving licence.

Important: It’s voluntary and free to use. The EUDI Wallet will not replace your personal ID. Non-digital options will also remain available.

Is your online ID function activated and do you know your PIN?

You will need the online ID function to set up your digital identity in the wallet. It is therefore worth checking now whether the online ID function on your German identity card is activated and whether you know your six-digit PIN.

If you’ve forgotten your PIN or misplaced your PIN letter, you can have a new PIN set free of charge at your local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt). Alternatively, you can use the PIN reset and activation service to order a letter online containing a new PIN and activation code. This free service is already available, but will only be offered for a limited period around the time the wallet is introduced.

Good to know: The online ID function can already be used to open a bank account digitally without the wallet, provided the bank offers this option.

How can the wallet help with banking?

When you open an account, the bank has to verify your identity. In future, you'll also be able to use the EUDI Wallet to prove your identity digitally.

In the longer term, it should also be possible to use the wallet for payments, for example to authorise a payment. The wallet would not be a means of payment in its own right, but an additional way of securely authorising payments through your bank.

The wallet could also be useful for other banking services. Any credentials required could be sent directly from the wallet to the bank. It should also be possible to use the wallet to sign contracts electronically, provided the relevant legal requirements are met.

Will all the functions be available straight away?

No, more functions will be added gradually. What you can use the wallet for will depend on which credentials are available and which services are technically connected to it. Your bank will provide information on how you can use the wallet.