In a significant leap into the digital age, France is set to introduce iPhone-based digital identity cards by summer 2025. This new initiative, announced by the French government, will allow citizens to store their official identification on their smartphones, reducing the need for physical ID cards and streamlining daily interactions.
The system will operate through a mobile application called France Identité, which will provide users with a digital version of their national identity card. These cards are commonly used across France as an alternative to passports or driver’s licenses. Currently, approximately 25 million people in France rely on physical ID cards.
A Strategic and Phased Rollout
Bruno Retailleau, France’s Interior Minister, confirmed that the digital ID program will begin with a trial phase before being fully rolled out nationwide. The goal is to have the system up and running in time for the summer travel season, offering enhanced convenience for users during peak travel periods.
Although digital IDs are already supported in some countries through platforms like Apple Wallet, it remains uncertain whether the France Identité app will integrate with Apple Wallet or operate as an independent service.
France’s decision to expand digital ID offerings follows its successful introduction of digital driving licenses in 2024. The addition of national ID cards to the system is a natural next step in the country’s digital transformation strategy.
A Global Perspective on Digital IDs
France’s progress in rolling out digital identities stands in stark contrast to other nations, particularly the United States. While Illinois recently became the latest state to adopt digital IDs through Apple Wallet, the U.S. remains slow in implementing such technologies across the country. In Europe, the European Union is working on a comprehensive digital ID system, but it has yet to finalize a continent-wide rollout.
Despite the global efforts, France is advancing with more speed and clarity than many of its counterparts, positioning itself as a leader in digital identification.
Impact on Citizens
For French citizens, the introduction of digital IDs means greater ease of use in everyday life—from quicker airport screenings to easier access to government services. If the program proves successful, it could become a blueprint for other countries seeking to modernize their identification systems. In the meantime, citizens will enjoy the convenience of carrying their ID securely in their phones, making travel and daily tasks much simpler.