Worldwide Digital ID Overview: The Current State by Country [+Free List]

In early 2024, we conducted a study on digital IDs to understand how businesses in aviation, finance, government, technology, and telecommunications across Europe, North America, and the Middle East perceive this concept. 

Why these industries? 

Government agencies often act as “topic starters,” developing the idea and driving the adoption of digital ID systems. The rest are typically early adopters of technological advancements.

The survey revealed that 81% of respondents had a basic understanding of digital ID technology. What’s more, 42% of the companies were already integrating those technologies into their systems. 

However, several challenges remain. Cybersecurity threats (50%), data privacy concerns (44%), and a lack of global standards (74%) were key factors slowing implementation. As a result, 35% of respondents still viewed physical documents as irreplaceable for identity verification.

On the positive side, 75% of companies saw improvements in user and citizen experience, while 74% noted improvements in the IDV process. Additionally, 71% believed digital IDs enhanced security and fraud prevention.

To sum up, many organizations were ready for the shift but cautious about the hurdles and outcomes.

Before we go further, it’s important to define what we mean by digital ID. After reviewing multiple definitions available online, we can describe a digital ID as an identity that consistently includes these characteristics:

• It exists in a digital format.

• It serves as proof of identity (containing personal data), fully replacing a physical ID.

• It enables authentication and authorization through a unique identifier.

In this context, ICAO’s Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs) are a good example. They represent a person’s identity in digital form and include an identification dataset. To generate a DTC, the user verifies their physical passport via NFC-enabled device, which confirms the chip’s authenticity and data integrity. DTCs enable carriers to identify passengers at boarding using a quick facial recognition check at the gate, matched with DTC data—no physical passport required.

What about security? 

Just like passports and ID cards have built-in security features, digital IDs are stored in specialized applications often referred to as digital wallets. These apps use encryption and other protective measures. The identification data itself is typically protected with advanced cryptographic methods, as is the case with DTCs. 

This makes digital IDs a safer and more convenient alternative to physical documents, which can be lost, stolen, or tampered with. (Of course, a mobile phone with a digital wallet can also be lost or stolen.)

Launching digital ID at the national level requires a specific infrastructure for issuing and verifying digital identities. This is typically referred to as a digital ID system. It brings together key stakeholders—governments, service providers, and individuals. 

To participate, service providers usually need accreditation that confirms they meet requirements for privacy, security, accessibility, risk management, and fraud prevention. Individuals (citizens or residents) simply sign up, verify their identity, and gain access to the system.

Next, let’s explore existing digital ID systems and see how they work in practice.

Countries began developing digital IDs at different times. Some, like Estonia, pioneered the concept decades ago. Others are only now beginning to navigate this space. As a result, there are many variations of what can be called a “digital ID”—ranging from electronic extensions of physical national ID cards and driver’s licenses to fully standalone digital identities. 

However, projects like Ireland’s myGovID account or Australia’s myID—which offer a single login to access public services after verification—can be considered a transition point. These options can’t be used in person as official proof of identity; they only grant access to selected online services. Nevertheless, these projects may evolve into fully functional digital IDs in the future. 

Another example is “digital IDs” that can be obtained through online or in-person registration in a government-run digital ID system. These documents include personal details and a QR code that can be scanned during verification. Holders can either print them or store them as an e-file, using them instead of physical ID cards in many verification scenarios. Examples include India’s e-Adhaar and the Philippines’ ePhilID. 

Since these are often printed and used as physical documents, they aren’t pure digital IDs—they represent another transitional form in the shift toward fully digital identity. That’s why they’re not included in the list.

In an attempt to create a sort of updated map providing information about digital ID initiatives across the globe, we represent only existing projects, which can be at different launch levels:

Austria began this journey toward digital ID with a mobile phone signature system called Handy-Signature. In 2023, it transitioned to a full digital ID system known as ID Austria, implemented through several apps like Digitales Amt (Digital Office) and eAusweise. 

The system offers two levels of functionality: 

• Basic: Retains all features of the former mobile signature.

• Full: Enables digital ID use on a smartphone and supports EU-wide recognition.

To access the full version, individuals must schedule an appointment at a government registration office. They must present an official photo ID, such as a passport, identity card, driver’s license, or another document proving residency in Austria, along with any required supporting documents for identity verification.

With full functionality, ID Austria allows users to prove their identity anywhere in the country, verify themselves online, access digital services, and conduct secure online transactions.

Denmark offers several digital ID options. The primary one is the national eID, MitID, which is used to log into public services and online banking. To obtain it, users can verify their identity either through passport authentication in the MitID app or by visiting a Citizen Service Center for in-person verification.

In addition, Denmark has digital versions of their driver’s license and health insurance card, both legally accepted as replacements for their physical counterparts. 

The country has also announced the development of an eIDAS-compatible digital wallet. This will enable features like age verification and the use of a MitID, both online and offline. It will also support cross-border acceptance of Danish eIDs within the EU.

Estonia is a pioneer in digital ID implementation, with its national e-ID system in operation for over two decades. This country represents a unique evolution in digital identity, where the “digital ID card” began as a type of physical document. 

Unlike the standard Estonian ID card, the digital ID card wasn't valid for travel or in-person identification. Instead, it enabled users to vote online, sign documents digitally, access healthcare records, manage banking and business, shop securely, and more, using specialized portable smart card readers and software. 

As of May 1, 2025, the Police and Border Guard Board stopped issuing new digital ID cards. However, previously issued cards remain valid until their expiry date.

Estonia also offers Mobile-ID, a SIM-based digital ID used for the same purpose as physical IDs—logging into e-services, confirming payments, signing documents, and accessing government portals. Mobile-IDs include security certificates valid for five years, and are issued by local mobile operators Telia, Elisa, and Tele2 at their service points. While service fees and conditions vary, all providers comply with the national standards.

Today, Estonia—alongside other EU member states—is working on the EUDI Wallet, which will support identification, digital signing, and document storage, contributing to a unified digital ID framework across the EU.

Singapore’s national digital identity system—Singpass—offers individuals a wide range of capabilities, from proving their identity (including in-person scenarios) to signing documents digitally. Available as a mobile app, the service includes a watermarked digital ID and provides instant access to a plethora of services.

To obtain a Singpass, residents must register through the official platform. Interestingly, the process can be completed via face verification, after submitting personal details such as identification number, name, and mobile number. Once registered, users can access the full functionality of the service via the web platform or mobile app.

Launched in 2025, the digital version of South Korea’s resident registration card is available to all citizens and registered residents. Secured with blockchain and encryption in the Mobile IDentification App, this digital ID fully replaces the physical card—initially for use in mobile banking and financial transactions.

Users can obtain this ID by completing NFC verification of their electronic physical card (applicable for IDs issued after January 1, 2025) via a mobile phone or by registering at a local community center. Biometric verification is also required to prevent identity theft.

Each South Korean digital ID is tied to a specific smartphone, meaning users can deactivate it through their telecom provider if the device is lost. This model differs from Singapore’s approach, where a single digital ID can be used on multiple devices such as smartphones or tablets.

Spain offers a mobile-based digital ID system called MiDNI, allowing citizens to store and use their national ID cards on mobile devices. Currently, the app supports identity verification for accessing government services. The next phase will expand its use to include online identity verification and electronic signatures. Once fully rolled out, MiDNI will enable users to vote, open bank accounts, check into hotels, rent cars, and more—completely online.

To register, users can go to a dedicated website, an on-site documentation unit, or a self-service police update station. In all cases, registration involves email verification and confirming identity using a physical national ID card.

UAE Pass, the national digital identity, is available to citizens, residents, and even visitors. In addition to storing identification data in digital form, the app offers a wide range of features. Users can sign documents digitally, access public and private online services with a single sign-on, request or renew official documents, and more.

To register, users can download the app and activate it using facial recognition along with ID verification—via Emirates ID, Gulf Cooperation Council ID, or passport. Alternatively, they can use a self-service kiosk that captures fingerprints.

To make digital IDs as universal as ICAO-compliant travel documents, we need both unified standards and shared frameworks. Standards define requirements for data formats, datasets, and security features. Frameworks provide the trusted infrastructure where digital IDs can be safely used and verified.

But current systems—like the EU’s eIDAS—are regional, and there are many of them. Most digital wallets today are state-backed apps with limited interoperability across borders.

That’s why the absence of a clear, global vision for digital wallets—highlighted by Regula’s 2024 survey respondents—remains the main barrier. And it’s why physical IDs will still be around for years to come.

Standard document and biometric checks remain essential—even in this new digital world. Getting a digital ID still requires presenting and verifying a physical document and/or face.

In online settings, liveness detection for both IDs and selfies is critical. It connects traditional ID verification with a more secure digital future—making advanced IDV providers like Regula a key part of this transition.