A key finding of the report is the difficulty in accurately measuring adoption
The number of digital IDs issued worldwide has surpassed 5 billion, according to a new report by identity firm Trinsic. However, a closer look at the data reveals a fragmented and complex landscape where the sheer volume of credentials often masks a lack of interoperability and a clear definition of what constitutes real-world adoption.
In a recent webinar presenting the company’s 2025 Digital ID Adoption Report, Trinsic CEO Riley Hughes warned that from a business standpoint, not all of these digital IDs are created equal. The market is split between public and private-sector schemes, open and closed source code, and a patchwork of standards that prevent seamless use.
Hughes argues that digital IDs offer a fundamental improvement over current identity verification processes, which largely rely on scanning physical documents and taking a selfie. He noted that digital IDs can reduce verification time from nearly a minute to just a few seconds while improving the user experience and bypassing the “cat-and-mouse game” of fraud detection technologies.
For businesses, this presents a significant opportunity, particularly in areas where the high friction of document-based checks is not deemed worthwhile. “What that means is there are more scenarios now that will be eligible for fraud reduction and more surface area for reducing things like identity theft,” Hughes explained.
A key finding of the report is the difficulty in accurately measuring adoption. Hughes highlighted that the total count of 5 billion IDs does not include every credential. For example, some digital IDs issued automatically to bank customers or for single government services are excluded from Trinsic’s figures, as they do not meet the criteria for a truly reusable, accepted identity.
The report, which tracks 282 digital ID ecosystems, also acknowledges that many initiatives with low adoption are still in their early stages but show high growth rates. Conversely, some of the most widely adopted schemes are now paving the way for more modern, privacy-preserving replacements.
The report breaks down digital ID adoption by region, revealing a varied global picture.
Asia leads the world in raw numbers, with 34 schemes accounting for 2 billion people, or 40% of the continent’s adult population. Hughes noted the Philippines’ PhilSys as a promising example of an evolving national system that is becoming more aligned with international standards.
Europe has 89 schemes and a combined 372 million users. While the region is moving toward open standards with initiatives like eIDAS 2.0 and the EU Digital Identity Wallet, Hughes noted that questions remain around the governance and business models of these new frameworks.
North America has 48 schemes with 177 million users, representing 69% of its adult population. Despite the high number, the landscape remains fragmented. While more than three-quarters of Americans live in states with mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) in development, only around 2% have them so far.
Africa shows a striking disparity, with 16 schemes covering 294 million people (37% of adults), yet a stark divide exists between countries with national ID deployments and those without.
South America and Oceania have 14 schemes each, with 308 million and 32 million people, respectively. Oceania’s figure represents 82% of its adult population, largely driven by adoption in Australia.
The report concludes that while the number of digital IDs is growing significantly, the most important finding is that the very nature of these credentials is “changing” as they roll out, creating a dynamic and complex environment for businesses and individuals alike.
