As businesses and institutions adopt new technologies, digital ID cards are becoming a common alternative to traditional physical cards. Universities are now offering student IDs that students can pull up on their phones, and companies are using digital ID cards to manage employee identification more efficiently. This shift to digital IDs is helping people access services and verify identities in an easier, more practical way.
In this article, we’ll cover what digital ID cards are, why they’re becoming so important, and show you how to create your own digital ID cards using PassKit, with a 45-day free trial to get you started.
What Are Digital ID Cards?
Digital ID cards are electronic forms of identification that can be stored on smartphones or other devices. They work like physical ID cards but offer the flexibility of being accessible anytime on a mobile device. People can use digital ID cards to confirm their identity, access services, and interact securely with both public and private organizations.
By using digital ID cards, users can instantly connect to a variety of services, including government services, healthcare, education, and even online shopping, without relying on physical paperwork or physical IDs. This digital solution simplifies interactions, reduces administrative delays, and helps connect users and service providers quickly and effectively, making the entire digital ID system more effective.
Digital ID Cards vs. Physical ID Cards
As more organizations explore modern identification options, digital ID cards are quickly becoming the preferred choice over traditional physical cards. While both types of ID serve the purpose of verifying identity, digital cards bring a number of unique benefits that physical cards simply can’t match. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences.
| Feature | Digital ID Cards | Physical ID Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Stored on smartphones or electronic devices, easily accessible anytime. | Must be carried physically; can be lost, damaged, or forgotten. |
| Real-Time Updates | Can be updated instantly (e.g., status, permissions), eliminating the need for reprints. | Requires physical reprinting and redistribution for updates. |
| Security Features | Improved security with options like encryption, biometrics, and PINs; reduces risk of misuse. | Vulnerable to loss or theft; limited security beyond basic information. |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces plastic and resource waste, supporting eco-friendly and sustainable practices. | Uses plastic and other materials, contributing to waste. |
| Cost Efficiency | Lower long-term costs, as updates don’t require reprinting; digital distribution is cheaper. | Higher recurring costs for printing and replacing lost/damaged cards. |
| Verification Speed | Can integrate with QR codes, NFC, and other tech for fast scanning and identity verification. | Manual verification can be slower, especially in high-traffic areas. |
| Flexibility | Can easily be customized for different uses (e.g., membership, student, employee IDs). | Customization options are limited to design; physical use is static. |
Digital IDs are easy to access, update, and manage, and they reduce the costs and environmental impact associated with traditional plastic cards. With improved security features and instant updates, digital IDs allow organizations to keep information accurate and secure.
The Move Toward Digital IDs
Traditional IDs, such as a driver’s license, passport, social security number, and address, have long been essential for verifying a person’s identity and enabling secure interactions with businesses, the post office, and other entities worldwide. These physical forms of ID help deliver services reliably across various regions and often vary by country and age group.
- Estonia: Estonia has pioneered digital identity with its national e-ID system, providing citizens and e-residents with a secure digital ID that grants access to essential services like banking, healthcare, and online voting. The Estonian e-ID program demonstrates the efficiency and security benefits of moving from traditional to digital identification.
- Denmark: Denmark’s MitID system enables residents to verify their identity online for tasks like banking and accessing government services. Replacing the older NemID system, MitID strengthens digital security while simplifying access to personal details and various services, underscoring Denmark’s commitment to digital identity.
While Estonia and Denmark are leading the shift toward digital IDs, traditional physical IDs may still be needed in some contexts. In regions with limited digital infrastructure, certain interactions continue to rely on physical ID cards.
However, sectors like education, healthcare, and corporate environments are increasingly at the forefront of digital ID card integration. According to a recent study, 49% of businesses are planning to upgrade or expand their digital ID capabilities, reflecting a growing recognition of digital IDs as essential tools for service delivery across different industries.
Industries Using Digital ID Cards
Digital ID cards are reshaping identification across a wide range of industries, bringing secure digital solutions that modernize identity verification and reduce reliance on physical cards. These digital identities provide organizations with a flexible, mobile-based solution that integrates into daily operations and improve both security and convenience.
Let’s take a look at how digital ID cards are being used in different sectors, highlighting the unique value each industry gains from this transition.
Employee IDs
In corporate environments, digital employee ID cards act as a secure resource directly accessible on an employee’s electronic device. These digital ID cards give employees quick access to important links, essential information, and rewards within the organization, helping them stay connected and informed.
With digital IDs, employers can instantly update or modify employee information across systems, ensuring that employees have the most up-to-date resources at their fingertips. This approach not only reduces administrative tasks but also supports seamless communication and access to relevant business materials. Digital ID cards provide a central point for employee engagement, allowing easy access to tools and incentives that improve the work experience.
Membership IDs
Membership-based organizations, such as clubs and associations, use digital membership card IDs to provide members with instant, mobile-based access to their benefits. Members can store their ID on an app, allowing them to prove membership status at exclusive spaces and events with a quick QR code scan.
These digital cards let organizations share updates in real time, so members always have current information on their benefits. The app becomes a single hub for members to view perks, event details, and exclusive offers.
Union IDs
For trade and labor unions, digital union IDs offer a modern and reliable solution for managing and verifying memberships. Union members can store their digital IDs on their devices, making it easy to show proof of union membership and access exclusive union resources, benefits, and discounts. With digital IDs, members can quickly connect to services like health and safety resources, training programs, and legal support, all from one app.
Resident IDs
Local governments and municipalities are adopting digital resident ID cards to provide access to public amenities such as libraries, recreational centers, and community events. Residents benefit from the convenience of having their ID stored on an electronic device, while city authorities gain flexibility in updating and managing resident information.
This electronic version of a resident ID improves the accessibility of municipal services, minimizes environmental impact, and simplifies interactions at the local level.
Student IDs
Schools, colleges, and universities are using digital student ID cards to support campus activities and improve identity management. With their ID stored digitally, students can check in to classes, borrow library materials, attend events, and even gain access to campus facilities like gyms.
Digital student IDs assist school administrators in managing administrative tasks and related workflows efficiently. This digital identification approach not only simplifies campus interactions but also reduces printing costs, cuts down on administrative tasks, and provides a modern alternative to traditional IDs in educational environments.
Insurance Policyholder IDs
Insurance companies now use digital insurance cards to give customers easy access to policy information, shared digitally on their mobile devices. These digital ID cards enable access to policy details when required, such as during medical visits or vehicle claims.
The integration of digital technology in insurance reduces reliance on physical documents and allows real-time updates to policyholder data, improving control access for both customers and businesses. This approach supports the digital economy, delivering services effectively and improve the overall customer experience.
Benefits of Using PassKit for Digital ID Cards
PassKit provides a dependable platform for creating digital ID cards, making it an attractive choice for businesses and organizations aiming to modernize their identification processes.
Designed with flexibility in mind, PassKit enables organizations to use digital IDs across a variety of applications. With a strong focus on usability, security, and environmental responsibility, PassKit is a versatile solution for organizations looking to improve identity management.
Here’s a closer look at the benefits of using digital ID cards with PassKit.
Real-Time Updates
With PassKit, organizations can update ID details instantly, such as membership status, credentials, or permissions, directly on users’ digital IDs. This eliminates the need for reprinting physical cards and ensures that information is always accurate and current, saving time and reducing administrative costs.
Improved Security
PassKit integrates advanced security features, including encryption and optional biometric authentication, to protect user data and ensure that only authorized personnel have access. This focus on security provides peace of mind for both the organization and its users, safeguarding sensitive information.
Customizable Design Options
The platform provides fully customizable templates, allowing organizations to design digital ID cards that align with their brand identity. From logos and colors to photos and unique design elements, PassKit enables a consistent and professional look across all digital IDs.
Integration with Other Systems
PassKit supports integration with other digital tools through QR codes, NFC technology, and APIs, making it easy to incorporate digital IDs into existing workflows. This integration flexibility allows digital IDs to be added to HR platforms, loyalty programs, and membership management systems, improving operational efficiency without disrupting established processes.
Environmentally Friendly
By moving to digital IDs, organizations reduce the need for physical materials, supporting sustainability efforts and lowering long-term costs. PassKit’s digital solution helps minimize plastic waste and reduces the environmental impact associated with producing and disposing of physical ID cards.
User Convenience
Digital IDs from PassKit are stored directly on users’ smartphones, ensuring they are accessible at anytime. This mobile-friendly approach improves the user experience, allowing individuals to quickly access and use their ID when needed.
Scalable for Large Organizations
PassKit’s platform is built to scale, making it a suitable solution for organizations of all sizes, from small teams to large enterprises. It can handle high volumes of digital IDs and user data without sacrificing performance or security. This scalability allows organizations to expand their digital ID systems as they grow, providing a flexible, long-term solution that adapts to increasing demands.
How To Create Digital ID Cards With PassKit
PassKit gives you the tools to create and share digital ID cards. Follow these simple steps to get started, and for extra help, watch our how-to video for a visual guide.
1. Sign Up and Start a 45-Day Free Trial
Begin by signing up for a 45-day free trial, which lets you explore PassKit’s features and create digital ID cards without any immediate costs. During this period, you can familiarize yourself with the platform and decide how to best integrate digital ID cards for your organization.
After the trial, PassKit offers flexible pay-as-you-go pricing, starting at $39.50 monthly for up to 250 digital ID cards, with discounts available as your needs grow.
2. Choose an ID Card Template in the Pass Designer
For creating a digital ID card, the ideal option is the Basic Membership pass, which provides a versatile template for employee or member identification. This type of pass allows you to include key details such as a photo, name, position, organization logo, and contact information, making it perfect for secure identification and internal networking.
After selecting the “Create New” button and choosing the desired pass type, you’ll be directed to the customization interface, where you can personalize your digital ID card with relevant information and branding elements.
3. Customize the Design and Branding
To design your digital ID card, start by selecting the Theme Section, where you can customize colors and images to match your brand.
Choose a background color by either selecting from preset options or entering a specific hex code to ensure brand consistency. This background color will improve readability and make key details stand out.
4. Setting Up QR Codes for Your Digital ID Card
QR codes make digital ID cards scannable, providing quick verification and easy access to information. In PassKit, go to the Barcode section and select the QR code as the barcode type. The QR code can store different types of information, such as identification numbers or access links, depending on your requirements.
The QR code can link to data such as member ID, employee number, or a URL for additional information in your system, enabling expanded functionality beyond identification.
Any updates to cardholder details automatically sync with the QR code, so no physical reprints are needed. This feature allows changes in department, role, or status to appear instantly on the card.
5. Distribute Your Digital ID Cards
With PassKit, there are several ways to distribute digital ID cards directly to users. You can create a data collection form where users register to receive their digital ID. Additionally, ID cards can be sent through SMS, email, or a direct website link, allowing users to download and store their ID in a mobile wallet.
You can add members to your project manually by entering each member’s details or by importing a CSV file containing all member information. This bulk import option allows you to generate and distribute digital IDs to large groups with ease.
