Nonlinear identification problems for evolution differential equations, solved with respect to the highest-order Dzhrbashyan–Nersesyan fractional derivative, are studied. An equation of the considered class contains a linear unbounded operator, which generates analytic resolving families for the corresponding linear homogeneous equation, and a continuous nonlinear operator, which depends on lower-order Dzhrbashyan–Nersesyan derivatives and a depending on time unknown element. The identification problem consists of the equation, Dzhrbashyan–Nersesyan initial value conditions and an abstract overdetermination condition, which is defined by a linear continuous operator. Using the contraction mappings theorem, we prove the unique local solvability of the identification problem. The cases of mild and classical solutions are studied. The obtained abstract results are applied to an investigation of a nonlinear identification problem to a linearized phase field system with time dependent unknown coefficients at Dzhrbashyan–Nersesyan time-derivatives of lower orders.