Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Germany Passes Digital Identity Law and Sets State Wallet Start Date

Reducing renewal burdens for people who applied at age 70 or older, the law also creates a voluntary smartphone wallet that will require specific devices and PIN activation.

Zunächst soll nur der Personalausweis in der App gespeichert werden können. Später soll jedoch auch der Führerschein auf dem Smartphone verfügbar sein. (Symbolbild)

Overview

  • The Bundestag passed the Digital Identity Act on October 15, 2026, establishing an age‑based rule that lets people who applied for their last ID at 70 or older keep using the physical card beyond its printed expiry for everyday ID purposes.
  • The law orders a voluntary, free state wallet called d‑you with a government target launch of January 2, 2027, but the rollout will be phased and many functions will depend on service providers adopting the wallet.
  • The extended use of expired cards does not preserve the online eID function, and officials advise getting a current document for border crossings, notarised transactions and some bank services because technical and legal acceptance is limited.
  • Setting up d‑you requires a compatible smartphone, NFC and modern OS versions, an activated online‑Ausweisfunktion and the six‑digit personal PIN, and a successful AusweisApp test does not guarantee wallet compatibility.
  • A federal Social Platform integration effort began in November 2026 to bring documents like the Schwerbehindertenausweis into digital processes, but this is a phased start that does not create an immediate nationwide smartphone ID or force card exchanges.