Digital IDs are becoming more common worldwide, with many countries now offering passports and driving licences in digital formats on mobile devices. This shift is part of the broader electronic ID (eID) landscape. Experts estimate that governments around the world will have issued around 5 billion digital IDs by 2024. This growth is set to continue in 2025, with digital ID adoption expanding further as more organisations, including banks, iGaming platforms, and the private sector, implement identity verification solutions.
What are digital IDs
A digital ID is an electronic version of a person’s identity used for electronic identity verification (eID) and authentication. Instead of requiring physical presence with a physical ID card, identity verification can be carried out quickly and securely using a mobile device.
When to use it
A digital ID can be used in many everyday situations, making tasks faster and easier. They allow for quick identity verification when making payments, shopping online, or accessing services. It is also useful for age checks, helping businesses make sure customers meet the legal age when buying alcohol and tobacco.
Opening a bank account is one of the best examples of how processes can be simplified with digital IDs; they even remove the need to enter a physical bank. Another is something most of us will be aware of, digital ID scans at airports, where travellers scan their passports at electronic gates, making border control faster and smoother.
A Digital ID can be used anytime and from anywhere, with biometric methods (such as facial recognition or fingerprints) along with two-factor authentication (a personal code). They also allows physical ID cards to be used in digital form, providing a fast and easy way to confirm identity in daily life.
A global take on digital IDs
Over 100 countries use digital ID systems, but how they work and how widely they are used differ from country to country.
South Africa for example is taking a big step forward. From 31 March 2025, the country will introduce a unified Digital ID, a secure digital wallet that combines ID cards, passports, and driving licences. This system is designed to simplify access to government services and reduce fraud.
In Europe, Serbia is set to launch its digital identity wallet by the end of 2025. This will allow citizens to store and access their identification documents electronically, making interactions with government services faster and more secure.
eIDAS the EU Regulation
The EU Digital Identity Framework Regulation came into effect on 20 May 2024. It updates the previous EU regulation on digital identity (EU) No 910/2014 by introducing the European Digital Identity Framework. All EU member states must provide at least one EU Digital Identity Wallet to their citizens and residents by 2026.
The digital wallet will be available as a mobile app, allowing users to verify their identity when accessing public and private online services across EU states.
Advantages with eIDAS
EU citizens and businesses can use their eID (electronic identity) to securely access services in both the public and private sectors across different EU countries. This makes it easier to use the same digital identity for services across borders, without needing separate logins or verification.
Digital eIDs in Nordics & Baltics
The Nordics and Baltics have built strong digital ID systems that millions of people rely on for secure authentication. These eID solutions are widely used across banking, public services, and online transactions.
Nordics
Digital identity solutions are vital for secure online interactions across the Nordic region. From Denmark’s MitID to Sweden and Norway’s BankID, and the Finnish Trust Network, these systems play a key role in ensuring secure transactions, regulatory compliance, and seamless access to digital services.
MitID - MitID replaced NemID, which was Denmark’s digital ID from 2010 to 2023. It was developed as a more secure and modern solution to continue digital authentication. Today, MitID has over 5.4 million users and is used daily for a safer and more efficient process to carry out various digital transactions.
Swedish BankID - In Sweden, BankID is the largest electronic identity solution, with 8.6 million users, allowing individuals to verify their identity easily.
Finnish Trust Network - The Finnish Trust Network (FTN) is a framework established by the Finnish government to unify access to electronic ID issued by banks and mobile operators.
FTN was introduced in 2017 under Traficom’s supervision, replacing TUPAS in 2019. It was developed to meet updated eIDAS and security regulations as TUPAS no longer met modern requirements.
Norwegian BankID - Norwegian BankID was launched in 2004 and is now widely used by banks and the public sector. A passport is no longer required for identity verification at the post. Scanning a passport in the BankID app generates a digital ID card on a phone.
Baltics
Another region to show a fast uptake of eIDs is the Baltics:
MobileID - Mobile ID in Lithuania is a simple and secure way to prove identity and sign documents online using a mobile phone. It works through a SIM card, making it easy to access government services, banking, and other online platforms without the need for extra devices or apps.
Smart-ID - Meets EU eIDAS rules and is a way to prove identity online. It’s widely used in Baltic countries, allowing people to log in to online services, approve transactions, and sign documents digitally without needing a physical ID card or a SIM card.
Is your company shaping the future of Digital ID
Many countries have made great progress with digital IDs and have developed their own eID solutions. In 2025, many will introduce eID for the first time, while others will improve their existing systems for citizens. ZignSec already supports several eIDs in Europe and can help your business set up the latest and most widely used electronic IDs. ZignSec provides advanced identity verification solutions globally, offering the latest updates in KYC (Know Your Customer). As a trusted provider, ZignSec supports banks, healthcare institutions, iGaming, and financial services.
Contact us today at sales@zignsec.com or request pricing to learn more about we can help you with the eID solutions.