Germany's Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization has introduced d‑you, the country's implementation of the European Digital Identity (EUDI) wallet framework. Citizens will be able to carry digital copies of identity documents, driving permits and other credentials on their mobile devices starting January 2, 2027.
The branding reflects the ministry's design philosophy, with a hand symbol representing personal agency and a wallet icon signifying secure storage. The interface prioritizes user authority and confidence in handling personal information.
With d‑you, we are developing a digital application that offers real added value, puts people at the center and creates trust. The German EUDI wallet is user-friendly and secure, creates transparency and control over one's own data and works everywhere in Europe.
Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger
The launch will involve approximately 40 partners spanning industry, research institutions and government bodies providing services through the platform. These initial offerings encompass age confirmation, digital contract signing and remote account setup with financial institutions. Partners at launch include EON, Vodafone, and various municipal and regional authorities.
The application operates on an opt-in basis at no cost and adheres to EU-wide technical requirements. Information remains encrypted locally on users' devices rather than being transmitted to remote servers. The wallet represents Germany's contribution to an EU initiative requiring each member state to deploy at least one compatible digital identity system capable of functioning seamlessly across borders.
Testing initiatives are underway across Europe to validate cross-border functionality. The APTITUDE and WE BUILD consortia, bringing together state institutions, tech companies and other stakeholders, are conducting trials of interoperability and practical applications. Separately, the EU-backed TrustED initiative is investigating methods to safeguard confidentiality, user autonomy and confidence throughout the EUDI Wallet ecosystem's transition to operational deployment.
Ukraine is also engaged in the APTITUDE consortium's work on the EUDI Wallet infrastructure. The country's Ministry of Digital Transformation is validating Diia digital credentials—including identity records and driving licenses—against EUDI requirements, with intentions to embed EUDI Wallet capabilities into the existing Diia platform. Ukrainian officials note that their experience managing digital credentials at volume is contributing insights to the broader European implementation.
The German wallet will expand methodically following its debut, incorporating additional capabilities and document categories progressively. Source code has been made publicly accessible to strengthen openness and user confidence. According to Wildberger, "An ecosystem is emerging around d-you that enables new applications, more innovative business models and more efficient administrative services."
