These are the plans for the ID card on the smartphone

In the future, the ID card will also be available on smartphones. The Bundestag has created the legal basis for this. The planned launch for the digital wallet is January 2, 2027. The app for it will be called “d-you”. The ID card can be saved there. Additional documents such as a driver's license should be added step by step.

With your ID card on your smartphone, it will be easier in the future to identify yourself online to authorities, service providers or contractual partners. In the future, the app should be sufficient to identify yourself. So the plastic card could stay at home. Using the app is voluntary.

With the new regulations, Germany is implementing an EU regulation. This stipulates that each member country must provide an application for digital ID cards on their smartphones.

Save older people from having to go to the authorities

The draft also includes further measures. Older people should no longer have to renew their passports in the future. This therefore applies to people who were 70 years or older when they applied for their last identity card. Even if the ID card expires, it is still valid.

The idea: The regulation eliminates strenuous administrative procedures for older people. The draft law states: A new application could mean a lot of individual effort as you get older. The authorities should also be relieved of the burden - it is roughly expected that around 285,000 applications per year could be eliminated.

But: When traveling within the EU, it is still advisable to have a valid ID with you. The option to continue using the old one is primarily intended for everyday use - for example during police checks or when going to the polling station. The online function of the ID card no longer works once it has expired. The Federal Council still has to approve the new regulation.

The place of residence in the passport no longer needs to be changed

There is also an innovation for the passport. If the place of residence noted in the document has changed, it no longer needs to be changed. After moving, your old place of residence can remain on your ID card. This measure is also intended to reduce the workload: According to the draft law, around 1.2 million re-registrations at offices could be eliminated.