8 Countries With the Most Innovative Digital ID Systems

What if you could access vital government services or verify your identity anywhere, with just a few clicks? Digital ID systems make this a reality, reducing delays and replacing outdated paperwork.

By 2024, experts predict governments will have issued around 5 billion digital IDs worldwide.

Many countries already rely on digital ID systems to give citizens fast, safe, and fair access to an ever-growing range of services.

As a writer and researcher who studies digital identity, I’ve seen how these systems can improve people's lives.

"When we talk about national digital ID systems, we’re really talking about giving people the keys to access critical services securely, no matter where they are."

— Paul Holland, Founder, Beyond Encryption

Below, we’ll explore countries that have successfully adopted digital ID systems, highlight their key features, and consider what it takes to make these systems work well for everyone.

Brief Summary: What Is Digital ID?

A digital ID is a virtual record of who you are.

It helps you prove your identity online without unnecessary steps.

This makes it easier to use services, protect private information, and include more people who may not have had access before.

Core elements of a digital ID often include:

• Credentials: Usernames, passwords, and email addresses that link you to online services.
• Biometric Data: Fingerprints, facial scans, or voice recognition that strengthen your digital ID’s security.
• Digital Footprint: Browsing history, communications, purchases, or social media activity that help verify who you are.

Read our complete guide to digital identity.

1. Estonia 🇪🇪

Estonia has led the way in digital ID innovation.

Its secure, efficient system sets a global benchmark.

Their digital ID, called eID, has been active for 20 years. It supports over 600 services for citizens and 2,400 for businesses.

With an Estonian digital ID, you can handle tasks like paying bills, voting, or getting prescriptions online.

Blockchain and biometric checks help keep your information safe.

In 2014, Estonia launched the e-Residency programme, allowing anyone, anywhere, to become an virtual resident.

This has opened up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and remote workers.

Today, 99% of Estonians have a digital ID.

They’ve signed more than one billion digital documents, saving about five days per year.

2. Singapore 🇸🇬

Singapore’s National Digital Identity (NDI) system provides secure, convenient online interactions.

Launched in 2003 and built on Singpass, it connects over 700 government agencies and private businesses.

This unified network reduces red tape and speeds up daily tasks.

With a Singaporean digital ID, you can sign documents, receive critical alerts, and manage financial planning online.

MyInfo helps agencies securely share user data, reducing repetitive form-filling.

Options like facial recognition, digital ID cards, and QR codes confirm user identities quickly.

About 97% of Singaporeans actively use Singpass, showing strong public trust and high adoption rates.

3. India 🇮🇳

Aadhaar is India’s significant move into digital IDs.

“Aadhaar” means “foundation,” reflecting its goal of providing a single, trusted base for identity.

The government issues each citizen a 12-digit number, linking their identity to secure online records.

Aadhaar combines biometric data like fingerprints, iris scans, and facial photos to strengthen security.

While not mandatory, Aadhaar cuts down on fraud and streamlines access to government benefits, banking, and mobile services.

With 1.3 billion Aadhaar cards in circulation, India hosts the world’s most-used digital ID system.

4. Sweden 🇸🇪

Sweden’s BankID acts as a digital passport or driving licence, confirming identities online with speed and accuracy.

People rely on it to open bank accounts, sign contracts, file taxes, or book COVID-19 vaccines.

Seven Scandinavian banks collaborated to build BankID, ensuring it meets high standards of trust and usability.

Looking ahead, Sweden plans to introduce a QR code digital ID card that works on smartphones, making secure identification even more accessible.

Currently, BankID has been used 6.7 billion times by over eight million Swedes, reflecting its widespread success.

5. Belgium 🇧🇪

Belgium began its digital ID journey in 2003 with the Belgian Personal Identity Card Project (BelPIC).

By 2020, over 28 million national ID cards were in use, and since 2021, distribution has grown by more than two million cards per year as electronic ID options expand.

Belgium’s system includes national ID cards, Kids-ID for those under 12, and the electronic foreigner’s card.

Each card integrates with a central digital ID framework, making essential services more accessible.

Belgium also offers itsme, a mobile login solution that allows users to access online services through a secure, single sign-in.

itsme grows by 350,000 users a year and now has 6.7 million users, who often use it for banking and government services.

6. Denmark 🇩🇰

Denmark initially introduced NemID, a single key for many online services.

In late 2021, it shifted to a digital-first system, MitID, which no longer requires a physical card.

With MitID, Danes can manage banking, taxes, and other tasks from their phones.

Today, more than 90% of the population uses the national eID, reflecting Denmark’s strong digital infrastructure and public confidence.

7. Netherlands 🇳🇱

The Netherlands supports citizens and businesses through two main digital ID systems: DigiD and eHerkenning.

DigiD helps people securely access government services, like filing taxes or applying for benefits.

eHerkenning helps organisations verify identities online, ensuring customers and partners are who they say they are.

DigiD serves 15 million people, while eHerkenning partners with 500 service providers.

It handles 13.3 million logins every year, proving that robust digital ID solutions can support both public and private sectors.

8. Nigeria 🇳🇬

Nigeria started building its digital ID ecosystem in 2014.

The key element is the National Identification Number (NIN), required for most official transactions.

The Bank Verification Number (BVN) adds another layer for banking customers.

About 100 million Nigerians have a NIN and 58 million have a BVN.

Though the system faces funding and operational challenges, efforts continue to improve access and trust, aiming to bring more people into the digital economy.

Challenges of Digital ID

Many countries see the advantages of digital IDs, but they must address common hurdles to help their systems thrive.

Key challenges include:

Infrastructure

Governments need robust networks that can handle high demand and protect data.

They must also make sure digital IDs integrate with existing tools, so users can easily switch to digital solutions.

"Building a secure network for digital IDs requires careful planning. It’s not just about technology—it’s about creating a seamless user experience."

— Mike Wakefield, CTO, Beyond Encryption

Cybersecurity

Digital IDs contain sensitive data, making them attractive targets for attackers.

Countries must protect these systems with strong security measures, timely updates, and clear response plans for potential breaches.

Public Trust

People may worry about data misuse or surveillance.

Clear rules, transparent communication, and visible benefits—such as faster service and stronger security—can help build trust and encourage more people to use digital IDs.

Digital Literacy

To use digital IDs confidently, people need basic digital skills.

Providing guidance, educational materials, and user-friendly interfaces helps ensure everyone can benefit.

Data Privacy Laws

Following international rules on data privacy protects people’s rights and makes digital IDs more legitimate.

Strong laws reassure users and highlight that their personal information is treated with care.

"Without trust in security and privacy, digital ID adoption will stall. We must show users that their data is safe and under their control."

— Emily Plummer, Marketing Director, Beyond Encryption

FAQs

Why Doesn’t Britain Have ID Cards?

Britain ended its ID card program in 2011 due to concerns over privacy, cost, and effectiveness, opting for passports and driving licences instead.

Does the UK Have a Digital ID?

The UK lacks a national digital ID but uses services like GOV.UK Verify for online access to some government services, with plans for a broader system in progress.

Which Is the Most Digitalised Country in the World?

Estonia leads in digitalisation, offering e-Government services like online voting and business setup with secure blockchain and biometric ID systems.

What Is the Future of Digital Identity?

The future of digital ID includes decentralisation, blockchain, and biometric authentication, giving users secure control while fostering public-private collaboration.

How Secure Is Digital ID?

Digital IDs can be highly secure with encryption, biometrics, and regular updates, though vigilance against cyber threats is essential.

When Did Digital ID Start?

Digital ID emerged in the early 2000s with pioneers like Estonia and Singapore, evolving to include stronger security and integrated services.

References

Government Digital ID To Reach 5 Billion By 2024, DigWatch, 2019

Estonian eID, E-Estonia, 2024

Singpass and NDI, Singpass, 2024

Number of Aadhaar Cards Generated in India, Statista, 2024

BankID Statistics, BankID, 2024

Belgian Personal Identity Card Project (BelPIC), Thales Group, 2024

itsme Mobile ID Scheme, itsme, 2024

MitID, 2024

DigiD, 2024

Service Providers, eHerkenning, 2024

National Identification Number (NIN), NIMC, 2024

Bank Verification Number (BVN), NIBSS, 2024

Reviewed by

Sam Kendall, 06.12.24

Sabrina McClune, 06.06.24