Since the Bank of America issued the first wallet-sized plastic card in 1958, there have been many changes to the card, including improvements in printing quality, embossing, signature panels, security elements, and magnetic stripes. However, one thing has not changed: the size. It has always been, and always will be, 85.6mm x 53.98mm, a size defined by the ISO and International Electrotechnical Commission. For durability, plastic is an ideal material, and the size fits conveniently into the wallet.
But what happens when people no longer carry wallets? The move to virtual cards is nothing new, and adoption has accelerated among younger generations who do not want to carry multiple plastic cards or simply don’t use fashion accessories like wallets to store them in. This shift raises the question: what is a digital ID card?
The plastic card has transformed into the digital card: no longer something to hold onto physically, but a way to connect to the systems you need access to. A digital ID card is a modern solution that allows individuals to verify their identity in a secure, convenient manner. But what is digital ID? It is an extension of current physical ID documents such as driver’s licenses, passports, and bank cards, offering individuals more privacy and control over how their information is used and shared. This digital transformation eliminates threats associated with physical ID documents, such as theft and counterfeiting.
Whenever you use an ID of any kind, you are proving your identity and thereby asserting your legal right to:
- Be where you are
- Have what you have
- Do what you are doing
Plastic cards remain highly useful documents to prove a person’s identity and were initially designed for humans to be involved in the verification process. Verification of the ID was done by sight and touch. As technology developed, the cards were enhanced to include the ability to be verified by machine as well. With the proliferation of connectivity, such as smartphones and the internet everywhere, it has become substantially cheaper, faster, and much more reliable to verify a person’s ID via a machine rather than by another human.
Digital identity and access management have become crucial in today’s world. Digital ID enables users to access services that have traditionally required a higher level of security and trust. Additionally, a digital ID can be much more easily protected and controlled than a plastic ID. The user can cancel it at any time and choose how their personal information is used in a much more precise way. This is where digital identity management systems come into play, offering a structured approach to handling digital identities securely and efficiently.
Digital IDs are much more useful in the world we live in. They are convenient, secure, and integrate seamlessly into our daily lives. The evolution of identity verification systems has made digital IDs a cornerstone of modern identity verification, ensuring that individuals can interact with digital services securely and confidently.
Understanding what a digital ID card is involves recognizing its role in the broader digital transformation. As organizations continue to embrace digital identity and access management, the importance of integrating robust identity verification systems cannot be overstated. These systems not only enhance security but also streamline operations, providing a seamless experience for users. By adopting digital ID solutions, organizations can ensure a higher level of security and trust, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and user satisfaction.