Whether you’re hiring a car, applying for benefits, or purchasing insurance, you often need to supply various pieces of information and supporting documents. These procedures can be time-consuming and require collecting documents from different sources. In future, they will be quicker, more secure, and better for your privacy.
The legal basis for this is the eIDAS Regulation. Revised in May 2024, the eIDAS Regulation plays a key role in Europe’s digital transformation. It builds on existing digital identity technologies while introducing higher standards for usability, security and reliability. Under this regulation, citizens will be able to access online services and share data digitally through an EU Digital Identity wallet, or EUDI wallet, known in the Netherlands as the EDI-wallet.
FAQs
There are many frequently asked questions about the use of the EUDI Wallet, including how it will be used, whether it will become mandatory, and how it will be implemented. For this reason, the European Commission has created a comprehensive FAQs page.
For other questions or suggestions, contact edi@minbzk.nl.
What is an EUDI wallet?
An EUDI wallet is a digital solution that enables secure online identification and data exchange across Europe. It provides secure access to online services offered by public and private organisations by sharing digital credentials. Users can store various personal details in their EUDI wallet, such as personal data from the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP), including name and date of birth, as well as other information such as address, diplomas, or permits. Compared with existing login methods, an EUDI wallet lets users share specific data rather than all their information. Users can also see exactly which data they have shared, with whom, and for what purpose. Additionally, the EUDI wallet enables the digital signing of documents.
Use remains voluntary
Using the EUDI Wallet is optional. If you prefer not to use it or are unable to, you can still access existing services from governments and other providers through traditional methods. The EUDI Wallet is an additional option and is not intended to replace current choices.
Benefits for citizens and service providers
By using the wallet, you retain control over your personal data. You decide which data to store, when to use it, and with whom to share it. This means you don’t have to share more information than necessary. The principle is data minimisation: you share only what is required. For example, you can share only whether someone is over 18. You can disclose only that (the wallet indicates whether you are over 18). You then do not need to provide your date of birth.
Convenience
The wallet also offers convenience: Processes that currently require physical documents will become available digitally. Many of these applications are being tested at a European level through large-scale pilot projects (LSPs) (Dutch). These pilots explore various use cases, such as digitally signing contracts with a qualified signature, renting a car with a digital driving licence, or proving professional qualifications with a digital certificate. The final usage possibilities of the EUDI wallet will depend on the services that market parties choose to offer.
Many of these applications are being tested at a European level through large-scale pilot projects (LSPs) (external link). These pilots explore various use cases, such as digitally signing contracts with a qualified signature, renting a car with a digital driving licence, or proving professional qualifications with a digital certificate. The final usage possibilities of the EUDI wallet will depend on the services that market parties choose to offer.
Simplified service delivery
For service providers, EUDI wallets make it easier to verify customers’ identities and deliver services. They can reduce administrative work, receive reliable information directly from official sources, and minimise the risk of errors.
Public NL Wallet
Under the revised eIDAS Regulation, every EU Member State must make at least one certified EUDI wallet available by the end of 2026. Member States must provide this wallet free of charge to citizens. The Dutch government is developing a national version: the Public NL Wallet. It is currently under development and will become available once the necessary national implementing legislation has been adopted. The Public NL Wallet is being designed as an accessible and trustworthy digital solution for all. Ease of use, accessibility, privacy and security are at the heart of its development.
Links
More information
For more details on the EUDI wallet’s development in the Netherlands, the Dutch EDI system or on the public NL Wallet, visit edi.pleio.nl (Dutch). More information on LSPs is available at blsp.pleio.nl(Dutch).
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact edi@minbzk.nl.
