The Irish Government is encouraging citizens to explore the new official ‘Government Digital Wallet’ as it launches its training phase.

Similar initiatives are underway globally, with countries such as Nigeria, Laos, New Zealand, and the US state of California piloting their own digital ID platforms, as governments seek to enhance security and streamline administrative processes.

The Digital Wallet forms a central component of the Government’s Digital Public Service Plan 2030, which aims to leverage technology to make public services more accessible and efficient.

The Wallet streamlines identity management, enabling residents to access both public and private services across the EU.

It works online and offline, giving users control over how their personal data is shared.

Through the Wallet, users can obtain a marriage certificate, register for essential welfare services, and access digital versions of birth certificates, driving licenses, and other official documents.

It will also serve as a tool to verify age on online platforms, particularly as the EU considers restrictions on social media use for individuals under 16.

The EU requires all member states to provide a digital wallet by 2026, with each wallet developed according to EU Digital Identity standards, the Government confirmed.

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Frank Feighan, TD added, “The Digital Wallet will be a crucial element of the Government’s overall portfolio of digital services.

“It will be able to facilitate secure age verification capability as set out in Digital Ireland and the implementation of the Online Safety Code, under which designated platforms must have age verification measures in place to help protect, in particular, children and young people from online harm.”