In a significant leap towards digital transformation, the Chamber of Deputies in the Czech Republic has greenlit the introduction of electronic copies of ID cards for citizens and residents. The move, approved today, allows individuals to use digital versions of their identity documents when interacting with authorities and institutions, starting from the next year. While the digital copies will be optional, they will not replace the physical ID cards, and remote proof of identity using digital copies will not be permissible.

The government’s draft amendment to the law on the right to digital services outlines that the digital documents project is estimated to cost the state administration approximately CZK 500 million for the launch and an annual operating cost of CZK 50 million. However, the opposition ANO has projected higher initial costs, reaching CZK 1.5 billion for all institutions.

To access digital documents, a mobile phone application developed by the Digital Information Agency will be required. Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization, Ivan Bartos, assures that development is progressing well, with a test run scheduled for December and training sessions on the use of eDocuments planned.

Despite concerns raised by ANO MP Robert Kralicek about the application being a promotion for the Digital Information Agency, the proposal to return the amendment for a second reading was unsuccessful. State institutions like the police and customs authorities will also have the option to provide authentication applications, depending on their needs and accreditation by the agency.

The amendment stipulates that the digital copy will carry the same legal weight as the physical document, ensuring that individuals can choose between traditional and digital means of proving their identity. However, digital documents will not replace the need for physical ID cards for international travel.

The implementation of accepting digital ID copies will be gradual, starting with central state administration bodies from the beginning of the year, followed by regions and the police from July. By 2025, the obligation will extend to all remaining administrative bodies, including embassies. The government anticipates that this amendment will foster the digitalization of the public sector, aligning with the prevalent use of digital identification in the private sphere, such as digital versions of payment cards.

Article by Prague Forum