Germany's d-you Wallet: Digital ID Arrives on Phones in 2027

Germany plans to launch its national digital wallet, d-you, on 2 January 2027. The government created the legal basis in mid-October, but the Bundesrat still has to approve it. The app is Germany's version of the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI wallet) and is being built by SPRIND and Common Codes for the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation.

Voluntary, but with hurdles

Use is optional, so physical ID documents remain valid. d-you is open to people aged 16 and over and runs only on Android or iOS phones with NFC. The ID function needs an internet connection, and if a phone is lost, the wallet has to be set up again from scratch because there is no backup.

Setup relies on the ID card's online function. Users enter the six-digit PIN of the card, the app reads it via NFC and then assigns a separate six-digit wallet PIN. After that, the card no longer has to be held to the phone for each transaction.

That is a potential barrier. A Bitkom survey from April found that only 18 percent of respondents have activated the online function and know their PIN. Another 21 percent activated it but have forgotten the PIN. A free reset letter by post can restore access.

A gradual rollout

At launch, the digital ID card will be available, with the driving licence, social pass and pension ID following later. About 40 partners, including Deutsche Post, the Sparkassen, Vodafone and Rossmann, are working on functions. The Sparkassen announced ten applications for launch, such as identification when opening accounts and securities accounts.

Public authorities that require electronic ID must accept d-you. From the end of 2027, banks, energy suppliers, telecom providers and very large online platforms must also use it, while ordinary online shops can decide for themselves. Federal agencies must be able to issue documents into the wallet by the end of 2027; states and municipalities depend on technology and budgets.

"There will be no big bang at launch," says Johannes Hollunder of Bitkom. Documents are cryptographically signed and come directly from the issuing authority, and the wallet is designed to share minimal data, for example confirming only that someone is an adult. The digital ministry says it will decide on the start date while weighing remaining risks, so the date could still shift.