In a recent conversation with Paul Grassi, Principal Product Manager for Identity Services at Amazon, we learned about their plans to integrate mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and the European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet.
Instead of the old process of verifying IDs, Amazon is moving towards a model where they simply accept already-verified digital credentials. In this email we’ll break down three key areas from our discussion:
- Possible Use Cases & Customer Benefits
- Amazon’s Roadmap for mDLs and EUDI
- Challenges in Implementing mDLs
1. Possible Use Cases & Customer Benefits
Paul outlined several possible scenarios where digital IDs can significantly improve everyday interactions:
- Age-Restricted Purchases
- Instead of scanning a physical ID or entering detailed information, users can quickly confirm they’re over the required age with a simple tap. This approach minimizes unnecessary data sharing.
- Healthcare & Prescription Services
- Digital IDs could streamline identity verification for health services and online pharmacies, making it easier and faster for users to access care.
- Verified Address Sharing for Deliveries
- A digital ID that includes a verified address can reduce errors and fraud in delivery processes, eliminating the need for manual data entry.
- Simplified Account Recovery
- In cases of lost login credentials, a secure, government-backed digital ID could provide a reliable method for account recovery, bypassing traditional security questions.
These use cases demonstrate that digital IDs aren’t just a technical upgrade—they offer tangible benefits in convenience, privacy, and security.
2. Amazon’s Roadmap for mDLs and EUDI
Amazon’s strategy represents a significant shift in how identity is managed:
- 2025: Launch of mDL acceptance in the U.S.
- Amazon is preparing to start accepting mobile driver’s licenses as a way to streamline identity verification for various transactions, from age verification to seller authentication.
- 2026: Integration of the EU Digital Identity Wallet
- With EU member states mandated to offer digital identity wallets by September 2026, Amazon is gearing up to integrate EUDI into its ecosystem, ensuring compliance and convenience for European customers.
- Transitioning from Verification to Acceptance
- Historically, Amazon has performed identity verification in-house—scanning IDs, running checks, and matching selfies. Their future vision is to shift that burden by accepting credentials that are already verified by trusted issuers, thereby reducing friction and enhancing privacy.
This roadmap signals a move towards a more efficient, customer-friendly approach to identity verification.
3. Implementation Challenges & Approaches for mDLs
While the potential is significant, several hurdles remain:
- Fragmented State Systems
- In the U.S., different states are pursuing varied approaches—some use state-built apps, others rely on platforms like Apple or Google Wallet. Amazon’s strategy is to integrate with whichever systems are available rather than waiting for a single standard.
- Ensuring Robust Security & Compliance
- Digital IDs require strict cryptographic validation to ensure security. Amazon must ensure that each mDL meets consistent security standards across all regions.
- User Education & Trust
- Many consumers are still unaware they can store their driver’s license on their phone. Building trust through clear communication about security and ease of use will be essential.
- Navigating Legal and Regulatory Complexities
- Privacy regulations vary by jurisdiction, and Amazon needs to ensure that its acceptance framework complies with all relevant laws.
Despite these challenges, Amazon’s proactive approach to integrating digital identity wallets could pave the way for a smoother, more secure online identity experience.
Solving the “Chicken-and-Egg” problem
One of the most significant takeaways from our conversation was Amazon’s proactive approach to breaking the “chicken-and-egg” problem that has slowed digital ID adoption.
Amazon is taking the lead by accepting mDLs early, creating a strong market signal that could push both issuers and businesses towards faster adoption.
If successful, this shift could make digital identity faster, more secure, and more privacy-friendly for everyone.
