eID and a trust infrastructure throughout Switzerland
The officially recognized eID is being introduced. It enables users to prove their identity electronically. The eID requires the establishment and operation of a trust infrastructure across all three federal levels, in particular a state wallet and a base and trust register.
Projects
E-ID legislative amendment and pilot projects
(a project of the DPSS agenda)
Swiss residents should be able to identify themselves securely online. This requires state-recognised electronic proof of identification (e-ID). The Confederation will issue the state e-ID and be responsible for operating the necessary trust infrastructure. In addition to developing the legal basis (e-ID Act), technologies are also being trialled for the trust infrastructure. Various pilot projects are being carried out in this area. For example, the Federal Chancellery (FCh) has reviewed the feasibility of an electronic ID card for federal employees (proof of concept ePerso). The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and the Association of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Offices (asa) are testing an electronic learner's licence with the aim of also being able to offer other road traffic licences as electronic credentials.
Remarks: The E-ID program has not been completed. Further measures are planned. The involvement of staff from the DPSS office is still guaranteed.
Since 2025, supportive measures and implementations have been taking place to introduce and disseminate the trust infrastructure.
Organisation responsible for service: fedpol; Federal Office of Justice (FOJ)
Contact: Philippe Lorenz, fedpol; Urs Paul Holenstein, FOJ
Deadline: 13 December 2024
The rollout of the electronic learner's licence takes place in 2025.
Development of the electronic driver's license (mDL-Suisse) and electronic credential platform
(a project of the DPSS agenda)
As part of the development of the trust infrastructure for the Swiss e-ID (federal wallet), the digital learner's licence (eLFA) is being piloted and will be rolled out across Switzerland from 2025. This will enable the e-ID programme to gain experience in issuing digital certificates to the general public. Following the introduction of e-ID in 2026, the cantons will be able to offer the digital driving licence (mDL-Suisse) for the federal wallet. The mDL-Suisse is based on the same technology as the eLFA. An electronic ID platform (eAP) will be set up for ordering the mDL-Suisse. It will enable users to apply completely digitally around the clock without involving the road traffic authorities.
Organisation responsible for service: Association of Road Traffic Authorities (asa)
Contact: Sven Britschgi
Deadline: 31 December 2026
E-ID trust infrastructure – support for introduction
(a project of the DPSS agenda)
In addition to the E-ID Act, the technical trust infrastructure is being developed for the establishment of the national e-ID. The measure specifically supports activities and pilot projects that serve to introduce and disseminate the e-ID and its infrastructure (wallet, verifier, etc.). This will enable local authorities and companies to issue and verify electronic evidence securely and efficiently in future. In addition, more funds will be allocated to information and communication measures in 2026 to support the introduction of e-ID. The measure contributes to the DPSS's strategy of providing a Switzerland-wide, trustworthy e-ID and usable trust infrastructure for the population, the economy and the administration.
Organisation responsible for service: DPSS Office
Contact: Marcel Kessler
Deadline: 31 December 2026
Further development of the TG4U as a PoC for integration into existing cantonal and municipal systems (DVS4U* or Certificate management for authorities)
With the introduction of e-ID in 2026, widespread use of SSI wallets is expected in Switzerland. These will enable the population to store other digital credentials such as proof of residence in addition to e-ID. A dedicated issuer and verifier infrastructure is required for the efficient issuance and verification of these credentials. Based on current findings, DVS4U* is a minimum viable product (MVP) tailored to the needs of the Swiss authorities. DVS4U enables cantons and municipalities to create, manage and verify digital credentials (VC) and ideally complements the existing e-ID ecosystem.
Once development work has been completed, the solution will be published as open source and made available to all interested parties.
* The term ‘DVS4U’ is a working title based on TG4U.
Organisation responsible for service: Canton of Thurgau
Contact: vacant
Deadline: 31 May 2026
Developing content standardisation for verifiable credentials (digital evidence)
It is important to introduce standardisation at an early point in the process in order to promote the issue and use of digital credentials in the administrative environment. A prioritised list is kept of digital verifiable credentials (VC) across the public authority sector. All the required features of the proof of identification are compiled for precise definition, and referenced or described in a list of features. This list is then used to compile and review the individual items of proof with the help of stakeholder groups. The overall result is called the "VC catalogue" and is provided in both human- and machine-readable form on the interoperability platform I14Y.
Organisation responsible for service: DPSS Office
Contact: Marcel Kessler
Deadline: 26 April 2024
The project has been completed. The work will be continued within the DPSS working group iSVC. In addition to the final report, a catalogue of guidelines has also been produced.