Bhutan Powers National IDs with Ethereum Blockchain

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: October 14, 2025

Key Takeaways

Bhutan is using the Ethereum blockchain to power its national digital ID system, which aims to improve identity verification and service access;
The full migration of identity data for nearly 800,000 citizens is underway and expected to be completed by early 2026;
This marks the first time a country has based its national identity program on Ethereum, with local teams and crypto experts leading the effort.

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Bhutan has started using the Ethereum ETH $4,139.98 blockchain for its national digital identity system.

This update will help the country’s nearly 800,000 citizens prove their identity and access government services more securely.

This development was officially introduced at a launch event attended by Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuk, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, and Aya Miyaguchi, the President of the Ethereum Foundation.

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While the system is already connected to Ethereum, the full migration of all citizens’ credentials is expected to finish by early 2026.

Miyaguchi stated in a post on X that this is the first time a national identity program has been built on Ethereum.

Bhutan's national ID system has gone through several stages. It first used Hyperledger Indy, then moved to Polygon in August 2024. With the switch to Ethereum, the country aims to benefit from stronger support, broader developer tools, and long-term security.

The transition to Ethereum was led by Bhutan’s own teams, including those working on digital identity and government technology. Contributors from the local crypto community also supported the process.

Buterin recently shared his view on how Ethereum can build a strong financial foundation without straying from its values. What did he say? Read the full story.