In June 2021, the EU Commission proposed a framework for a European digital identity (EUid). This should enable EU citizens and companies to provide proof of identity, electronic document transfer using the EUid wallet and use Europe-wide online services. The authors examine the development of the legitimation test and the differences between the current and future legal situation. The influence of the legitimacy check on transactions relevant to money laundering, the legal situation in the USA, risks and cases of abuse are taken into account.