Since Saturday, Czech citizens have gained access to the innovative eDoklady app, providing a digital platform to store electronic ID cards on their mobile devices. The app, developed by the Digital Information Agency, serves as an alternative to the physical ID card, which will continue to remain valid. Although the eDoklady app is now accessible, citizens will still need their physical ID cards for some time, as certain institutions, including employment offices, tax offices, and the police, will only accept electronic documents starting July 1st.

The launch of the eDoklady app was slightly delayed to coincide with the enactment of the Digital Services Act, signed into law by the president. Initially slated for activation at the beginning of the year, the app is now available for citizens to streamline their identification processes.

To set up an electronic ID card, citizens must possess a valid plastic ID card. The app downloads the photo and signature from the ID card records after the user logs in. Digital identity, such as banking identity, is a prerequisite for the setup process. Security measures include a numerical PIN of four to eight characters, with biometric verification options like fingerprint or face recognition available. In case of biometric verification failure, users must enter the PIN. During verification, Bluetooth must be enabled.

The app not only allows users to store their own electronic ID cards but also facilitates identity verification for another person. This feature will be available not only to government offices but also to private entities, enabling businesses to verify customers’ identities voluntarily.

While private companies are not currently obligated to accept electronic documents, there is an expectation that institutions such as banks may voluntarily adopt the eDoklady app to enhance their services. Looking ahead, there is potential for the app to be utilized at self-service checkouts in supermarkets for age verification, pending a slight amendment to existing legislation. The development of the eDoklady app involved an investment of approximately ten million crowns and took seven months to complete.

Article by Prague Forum