tl;dr
Ireland has completed a pilot program for its national digital identity wallet, a smartphone app that securely stores personal documents like driver’s licenses and health records. The pilot involved over 500 public servants, and the app is expected to launch officially by the end of 2025. This initi...
Ireland has successfully completed a pilot program for its national digital identity wallet, a smartphone app designed to securely hold personal documents such as driver’s licenses and health records. The pilot involved over 500 public servants volunteering to test the wallet, which now appears poised for an official launch by the end of 2025.
This initiative aligns with a broader European Union plan requiring all 27 member countries to offer at least one digital ID wallet by 2026. The Irish digital wallet resembles familiar mobile wallets used for payments and tickets but is tailored for official identity credentials and essential records. The Government is considering a limited release before year-end, following positive feedback from the pilot.
The Department of Public Expenditure highlighted that the wallet will enable users to access and manage their personal data securely and use it across public and private services. However, no decision has been made yet on whether using the wallet will be mandatory for accessing services like pensions or healthcare.
The Irish digital wallet aims to securely store important documents such as driving licenses, birth certificates, death certificates, and European Health Insurance cards, making them conveniently available on mobile devices. This project is part of the EU’s Digital Identity framework, which came into force in May 2024 to establish a universal, trustworthy, and secure digital identity system recognized across all member states.
According to EU regulations, each member state must provide at least one EU Digital Identity Wallet by 2026, ensuring interoperability and mutual recognition. The wallets will offer a safe and private means of digital identification to all EU citizens, residents, and businesses, with usage remaining optional.
In July, the European Commission adopted new rules to support trust services and electronic attestations, enabling member states to develop interoperable and secure wallets. These wallets will be accepted throughout the EU by registered entities, enhancing cross-border digital interactions within the union.