Denmark launches AltID digital wallet for proof of age and identity

Denmark has officially launched AltID, a national digital identity wallet designed to serve as the country’s European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet. The application utilizes zero-knowledge proofs to allow citizens to verify their age and identity both online and in person without disclosing unnecessary personal data like Social Security numbers or addresses. This launch represents a significant step in the European Union’s mandate for member states to provide digital identity wallets by 2026 and leverages Denmark's existing high adoption rates for digital services.

The Danish government’s AltID app, developed by digital ID services firm Nine in collaboration with Signicat, provides a mobile interface for privacy-preserving identity credentials. Users onboard by logging into their existing MitID accounts and scanning their passports using Signicat’s NFC technology, which securely transfers biometric and identity data from the passport chip to the wallet. This infrastructure allows the wallet to function as a secure, reusable digital credential platform that aligns with emerging EU standards for age verification and identity management.

A core feature of AltID is its focus on data minimization through the use of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP). Instead of presenting a physical ID that reveals a user's full name, address, and Social Security number, AltID allows users to share only specific, necessary attributes—such as confirming they are over a certain age. Adam Lebech, Deputy Director of the Danish Agency for Digital Government, noted that the system is designed to give users control over exactly what information they share with third parties, whether they are in physical locations like bars and stores or accessing online services like e-commerce and social media.

The deployment of AltID is a strategic move for Denmark, which already boasts one of Europe’s highest digital identity adoption rates, with 87 percent of the adult population using the MitID system at least once a week. While the use of AltID remains voluntary, the Danish Agency for Digital Government plans to expand the wallet's utility by adding more credentials in the future. As Denmark prepares for the EU’s 2026 deadline for mandatory digital wallet offerings, this rollout serves as a critical benchmark for large-scale EUDI Wallet deployment and the transition toward interoperable, privacy-centric digital verification across the bloc.