2025 to bring broader recognition of eDocuments app
The arrival of 2025 is expected to speed up the process of digitization in all areas of the public sphere. More ministries will provide services online and the eDocuments app (eDoklady), which was officially launched last year, will now be recognized by the vast majority of municipalities and institutions.
The eDocuments app, which was introduced as a pilot project last year, was immediately downloaded by over half a million people, despite the fact that only a restricted number of institutions recognized it at the time.
It was upgraded shortly after its launch, when it emerged that it sent more information about users than was necessary to a central server, storing information about their movements and whereabouts. This is no longer possible with the new version and all users have re-registered.
Last year the app, which serves as an electronic version of the standard plastic ID card, was gradually recognized by government ministries, police, labour offices, financial institutions and courts. As of the start of this year the app should be recognized at post offices, banks, health insurance companies and at polling stations. All municipalities should also be ready to accept the electronic version of the ID and hotels in the regions have also been preparing to accept electronic documents.
Later this year it should also be possible to upload a driving license, study certificate or insurance card to the app, according to the Digital and Information Agency which operates the service.
All Czech citizens can download the app from the App Store and Google Play for free. All they need is a smartphone and their Citizen ID number, which is required to log in. The app then works both online and offline. It will automatically disappear if the user’s ID card expires. Ninety days before the due expiry date the user will be notified about the need to extend its validity.
The electronic version of the ID card is more secure and can be deactivated remotely via the Citizen's Internet Portal (Portál občana) if the mobile phone is lost or stolen. The app is protected by biometrics and can be easily deactivated at any time via the Citizen Portal and reactivated on a new phone.
The plastic ID card that most people still use remains valid; the eDocuments app is merely an alternative to it.