Digital wallet d-you: Majority of the population open to use

From January 2027, the digital wallet d-you is to be introduced in Germany. With it, citizens can present their identity and in the future further personal proof via smartphone. A representative survey by the digital association Bitkom shows that more than half of the population wants to use the new application. At the same time, many people are not yet aware of the European digital identity solution.

Digital proof of identity on the smartphone

The introduction of d-you is scheduled for 2 January 2027. The application is part of the European EUDI wallet , which aims to enable the cross-border use of digital identity documents. The legal basis in Germany is to be created by the Digital Identity Act, on which the Bundestag was to vote on 15 October 2026.

The use of the wallet will be free and voluntary. It is set up with the help of an identity card or an electronic residence permit. At the outset, it is intended to make it possible to provide specific digital proof of identity and age, for example when opening a bank account or concluding a contract. Further proof, such as driving licence and pension card, as well as an electronic signature, will be added gradually. In addition to public institutions, companies should also be able to use the digital wallet. More than 180 companies have already announced their intention to integrate the technology into their own offerings

Interest in use meets low awareness

According to a representative Bitkom survey of 1,004 people aged 18 and over, 53% of respondents want to use the wallet in the future. Out of this, 20% say they definitely want to use them, and another 33% tend to use them. However, 46% have never heard of the EUDI wallet. Only 8% can explain what it is. The results show the need for information in connection with the planned introduction.

Simplified activation of the wallet

To set up d-you, the online ID function and the corresponding PIN are required. Until now, a forgotten PIN was a hurdle, as those affected had to visit an authority. The Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernisation has therefore announced a free reset and activation service. This should enable activation in the future even without a personal appointment with the authorities.