Understanding PID and Attestations

As the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet), also known here as BusinessWallet, becomes a reality, two important terms come up often: PID and attestations. These are key building blocks that make the digital wallet useful and trustworthy. But what do they actually mean?

Let’s break them down in simple terms.

What is PID?

PID stands for Person Identification Data. This is the core set of information that proves who you are. It includes details like:

• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• A unique identifier (like a national ID number)
• A photo (in most cases)

This information is verified by a trusted authority, such as your government, and stored securely in your digital wallet. It’s like having your official identity card on your phone, but more private and under your control.

With PID in your BusinessWallet, you can prove your identity online and offline, whether you're applying for a job, logging into a bank, or accessing a government service.

What Are Attestations?

Attestations are like digital certificates. They prove certain facts about you, issued by a trusted source.

There are two main types:

• Qualified Electronic Attestations of Attributes (QEAA): These are certified to meet strict EU standards. For example, a government-issued certificate that confirms your driving licence or your right to work in a country.
• Non-qualified attestations: These still carry value, but come from organisations that may not be certified under the strictest rules. For example, a university diploma or a professional membership card.

Your BusinessWallet stores these attestations so you can share them when needed, always with your consent.

How Are They Used?

Here are some everyday examples of how PID and attestations work together in your BusinessWallet:

1. Opening a Bank Account Online You’re asked to prove your identity and show proof of residence. You select your PID and a residence attestation, approve the request, and you're done, no need to upload documents or scan your ID.

2. Applying for a Job The employer asks to verify your qualifications. You share a certified attestation from your university and confirm your identity using PID.

3. Signing a Contract With your PID and a digital signature linked to it, you can sign legal documents digitally, saving time and ensuring trust.

What Makes This Different?

Traditionally, you had to upload documents or show physical ID cards. That process is slow, often insecure, and you usually share more personal information than needed.

With BusinessWallet:

• You control what is shared
• Only the necessary information is revealed
• Everything is digitally verified and trustworthy
• You can use your wallet across the entire EU

Your Privacy Matters

When you use PID or attestations, you’re always in control. You can:

• Choose what to share and with whom
• See who requested your data
• Withdraw access at any time

Selective disclosure also means you can, for example, prove you’re over 18 without revealing your exact birth date. That’s a big step forward for privacy.

In Summary

As the EUDI Wallet rolls out, understanding these basics will help you make the most of it, whether you're a citizen, a business owner, or both. At BusinessWallet, our goal is to help you navigate this new digital world with confidence.

Stay tuned for more practical guides on using your BusinessWallet.