In the evolving world of identity verification, few terms are as widely used or as broadly misunderstood as digital ID. For some, it means a secure login for accessing public services. For others, it’s a digital twin of a physical ID card that lives on a smartphone or smartwatch.
Whatever the definition, one thing is clear: digital IDs are the next stage in the evolution of identity documentation. This transformation is already in progress. It can be guided, but it can no longer be stopped.
This article explores what digital IDs are, how they work, the security principles behind them, and how governments worldwide are embracing this technology.
Regula’s Global Study on Digital IDs
In early 2024, Regula conducted a global survey on digital IDs to understand how industries perceive and implement digital IDs. The study covered Europe, North America, and the Middle East, focusing on sectors that shape the global identity landscape: aviation, finance, government, telecommunications, and technology.
These sectors were chosen for a reason. Governments typically launch national ID initiatives, while private organizations are often first to adopt and operationalize new verification technologies.
What Businesses Think
The survey results reveal a strong awareness and growing adoption of digital ID solutions:
– 81% of respondents said they already have a good understanding of digital ID technology.
– 42% are actively implementing it in their systems.
Still, the path forward isn’t entirely smooth. Organizations cited several major barriers:
– Cybersecurity risks – 50%
– Privacy concerns – 44%
– Lack of international standards – 74%
Because of these challenges, 35% of respondents believe physical IDs remain indispensable.
Yet the optimism is undeniable.
– 75% reported improved user and citizen experience.
– 74% noted higher efficiency in ID verification.
– 71% said digital IDs have enhanced security and fraud prevention.
In short, businesses recognize the enormous potential of digital identity though they remain cautious about the regulatory and technical roadblocks that still stand in the way.
What Is a Digital ID?
Before diving into global initiatives, it’s worth defining what we actually mean by digital ID.
A digital ID is an electronic representation of an individual’s identity. It contains verified personal information that can be used to prove who a person is, both online and in person, without relying on physical documents.
A true digital identity has three key features:
1. It exists purely in digital form.
2. It holds verified data that serves as official proof of identity.
3. It allows for secure authentication and authorization via a unique identifier.
A real-world example is the Digital Travel Credential (DTC) developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). A DTC converts data from a physical passport read via an NFC-enabled smartphone into a digital credential. Once verified, travelers can pass through airport gates using facial recognition alone, with no need to show their physical passport.
Digital IDs and Security
Just as physical IDs have holograms, MRZs, and UV features, digital IDs rely on encryption and cryptographic techniques to prevent tampering. They’re typically stored in digital wallets or secure mobile apps, which protect identity data and enable users to control how their information is shared.
In the case of ICAO’s DTC, data is encrypted and digitally signed, ensuring that it cannot be modified or used by unauthorized parties.
However, like any technology, digital wallets have limitations. While they’re harder to forge or lose accidentally, they depend on the security of the device itself. If a phone is stolen or compromised, the digital ID may still be vulnerable unless protected by strong biometrics or PIN-based access controls.
The Role of ISO Standards in Digital ID Development
Global standards form the backbone of secure, interoperable digital identity systems. They ensure that digital IDs can be trusted, verified, and exchanged across platforms and borders.
Some of the most relevant ISO standards include:
– ISO/IEC 29003: Defines the procedures for identity proofing and enrollment, specifying how personal data should be collected and verified.
– ISO 27001 and ISO 31000: Provide frameworks for information security and risk management.
– ISO 20022 and ISO 19115: Support interoperability in financial and geospatial data exchanges.
Together, these standards create a global framework for digital ID issuance, validation, and management.
Establishing a national digital ID ecosystem requires the participation of all stakeholders:
– Governments build and regulate the infrastructure.
– Service providers integrate verification systems and ensure compliance with privacy and security standards.
– Citizens register, verify their identities, and use digital IDs to access both public and private services.
Global Leaders in Digital ID Implementation
The pace of digital ID adoption varies by country. Some, like Estonia, have been digital pioneers for decades. Others are just beginning to roll out national programs. Let’s take a closer look at leading examples around the world.
| Country | Digital ID System |
| Austria | ID Austria |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | e-IDDEEA |
| China | National Online Identity Authentication Service |
| Costa Rica | IDC-Ciudadano |
| Denmark | MitID |
| Estonia | e-ID / Mobile-ID |
| Singapore | Singpass |
| South Korea | Mobile IDentification App |
| Spain | MiDNI |
| UAE | UAE Pass |
Austria: ID Austria
In 2023, Austria replaced its mobile Handy-Signature with ID Austria, a unified digital identity platform.
Users can choose between:
– A basic tier that retains legacy features, or
– A full tier, which enables smartphone-based identity verification across the EU.
Full access requires in-person registration with a physical photo ID.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: e-IDDEEA
Bosnia’s e-IDDEEA app allows citizens to generate digital versions of passports, ID cards, and driver’s licenses. It meets EU eIDAS standards and supports qualified electronic signatures valid across public and private sectors.
China: National Online Identity Authentication Public Service
Launched in July 2025, China’s national digital ID system provides citizens with a unique online identity token known as a network number. The system combines tokenized credentials with biometric verification and aligns with the country’s Cybersecurity and Data Security Laws.
Costa Rica: IDC-Ciudadano
Costa Rica introduced its digital ID in September 2025. Citizens apply online, verify identity using facial recognition, and activate their credential in the IDC-Ciudadano app. The new digital ID is recognized by banks, telecoms, and public institutions.
Denmark: MitID
Denmark’s MitID is a trusted eID for government, banking, and private-sector use. Citizens can verify themselves remotely using NFC passport checks or in person. The country also issues digital driver’s licenses and health cards, both legally equivalent to physical documents.
Estonia: e-ID and Mobile-ID
Estonia remains the gold standard in digital identity. Its e-ID and Mobile-ID programs enable secure voting, tax filing, and digital signatures. Estonia is also actively involved in developing the European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet, aimed at unifying digital ID systems across the EU.
Singapore: Singpass
Singpass serves as Singapore’s universal identity app, offering access to over 2,000 government and private services. Registration is completed entirely through facial recognition, enabling seamless, password-free access to portals via single sign-on.
South Korea: Mobile IDentification App
South Korea’s new Mobile IDentification App, introduced in 2025, replaces physical resident cards. It uses blockchain and advanced encryption to ensure privacy and integrity. Each digital ID is tied to a specific device and can be deactivated remotely if lost.
Spain: MiDNI
Spain’s MiDNI app stores digital versions of national ID cards. It currently provides access to government platforms and will soon extend to banking, travel, and e-commerce services.
UAE: UAE Pass
The UAE Pass gives citizens, residents, and even visitors a unified digital identity. Users can authenticate themselves via facial recognition or fingerprint scans at self-service kiosks and use digital signatures for official documents.
Mobile Driver’s Licenses: A Stepping Stone
Mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs), used in countries such as Argentina and Mexico, share many characteristics with digital IDs. However, they’re typically local implementations rather than nationwide identity systems.
Governed by ISO/IEC 18013-5, mDLs use QR codes and digital signatures for secure, offline verification. While currently limited to transportation use, they lay the groundwork for broader digital identity adoption in the future.
Challenges to Global Digital ID Adoption
To achieve the same level of global acceptance as ICAO-compliant travel documents, digital IDs need unified data models, shared verification frameworks, and cross-border trust.
Right now, however, systems like the EU’s eIDAS remain regional, and most digital wallets operate independently. The lack of a global vision for interoperability highlighted in Regula’s 2024 survey remains one of the biggest hurdles to widespread adoption.
Until that changes, physical IDs will continue to coexist with their digital counterparts.
Why Physical IDs Still Matter
Even as digital identity becomes mainstream, physical documents retain a vital role. A physical ID is still required during initial registration and verification, anchoring digital identity to a real-world reference.
Advanced techniques like biometric matching and liveness detection ensure that digital credentials accurately represent the real person behind them.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to replace physical IDs but to create a hybrid verification ecosystem, one that bridges the physical and digital worlds, ensuring convenience without compromising trust or security.
The Bottom Line
Digital IDs are redefining how individuals interact with governments, businesses, and digital services. They promise faster onboarding, stronger security, and more control over personal data.
Yet, the journey toward universal digital identity is ongoing. Achieving it requires collaboration among governments, standards organizations, and technology providers.
By combining robust verification methods, global standards, and cutting-edge solutions like Regula’s document and biometric technologies, the world is steadily moving toward a future where identity is truly portable, secure, and digital.
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