Austria Launches eAusweise Digital Identity

Austria has introduced eAusweise, a mobile app that consolidates citizens’ official ID documents—such as driver’s licenses, age checks, and vehicle registration—onto smartphones. 

This innovation enhances public services by enabling secure, contactless identification via QR codes or Bluetooth, marking a significant step in Austria’s digital identity journey and e‑government modernization.

How It Works

Users log into the eAusweise app using ID Austria, the country’s official electronic ID authentication system. Once verified, individuals can add credentials like their driving licence, vehicle registration, and proof of age. 

These appear as temporary QR codes, which can be scanned or shared via Bluetooth for validation—even offline during police checks. The app offers selective disclosure—showing only required data such as age without revealing birthdate or full identity—for enhanced privacy.

Enhancing Public Services

eAusweise streamlines identity verification across both government and private sectors. No more fumbling with physical documents—citizens can show digital credentials quickly and securely during traffic stops, age-restricted purchases, or administrative processes. This reduces friction in public services, lowers fraud risk, and promotes a paperless administration.

Digital Identity Integration

eAusweise is fully integrated with ID Austria, which, as of early 2025, has been adopted by over 4 million users, converting Austria’s signature-based identity system into a modern mobile-first platform . It complies with EU-wide eIDAS standards, ensuring both online authentication and offline proof of identity. eAusweise supports next-gen features like mobile driving licences, digital proof-of-age, and private sharing capabilities.

Benefits and Use Cases

• Traffic & law enforcement: Officers scan QR codes for valid digital ID and age/license confirm.

• Retail & hospitality: Digital age verification enables quick access to age-restricted goods.

• Administrative access: Citizens can authenticate at public offices using eAusweise and ID Austria—no card needed.

• Controlled data sharing: Users control what’s shared, preserving privacy while meeting verification needs.

Implementation and Reach

Launched in late 2022 with expanded features in 2024–25 (e.g., vehicle registration sharing), eAusweise operates entirely offline, securely, and without needing internet during scans ﹘ ideal for roadside or low-connectivity situations. It is Austria-wide, though recognition by private entities remains voluntary.