DISKUSIA Digitálne doklady v mobile: budúcnosť identity na Slovensku

Slovakia is testing digital IDs on mobile: you can keep your ID card and driver’s license in your smartphone. The pilot is running in cooperation with Slovenská pošta and aims to show what this new identity will bring in practice. The project is evolving step by step—from simple identity verification to secure data sharing and signing.

Mobile IDs in practice: a pilot at the post office

The Ministry of the Interior launched pilot verification of digital IDs initially at eight post offices in regional capitals; after a smooth run, it expanded it in May to nearly 1400 branches. The goal is clear: to simplify identity verification and lay the groundwork for broader use beyond public administration. The postal service sees benefits especially in faster service and reduced error rates once machine verification via QR code and automatic data extraction are introduced.

Today, identity checks at the post office work simply—the clerk visually compares the data from the app; the app does not allow screenshots, and in case of doubt can request a plastic ID. Use is deliberately limited to low-risk services. Customers appreciate that they don’t have to carry a physical ID card or driver’s license; they have their phone with them, and using it is convenient and fast.

How to obtain the digital identity and what it can do

To set up a mobile identity, you need a smartphone with Android, the app, and an ID card with a chip. Newer contactless ID cards issued after December 2022 allow you to download documents to your phone without complications; alternatively, you can set it up via a web application and then link your phone. The solution consists of two applications: e-identita for login and authorization (including signing) and e-doklady for securely presenting data.

Compared to other government applications, these are more advanced functions, especially in signing and authentication levels. The next steps will bring third-party verification via QR code and background data exchange, which will open up use in banks, insurers, and with operators when signing contracts remotely. A change in the law (effective from the 17.) is set to remove the requirement for a special verification application, thereby legally expanding the scope for using digital IDs.

Security, risks, and the European context

Using the service requires logging into the application with a biometric factor, which combines the security of the phone and the app. If you lose your phone, you can remotely revoke and erase the documents via a web interface; with a physical wallet, you have no such option. The risk of misuse through a fake application is low in the pilot scheme, since the scope of services is limited and staff have clear control procedures.

The European digital identity wallet is not yet in full operation anywhere, as the rules were only finalized recently. The Slovak solution is deliberately gradual and aims for compliance with the standards; after certification, the release of the source code is planned. The phase to date has required approximately seven million euros for adjustments to several related systems and applications and for transferring parts of the agenda from another ministry—the value of the work is visible mainly in the background infrastructure, which an ordinary user does not see, yet the entire solution relies on it.

DISCUSSION "Digital Documents on Mobile: The Future of Identity in Slovakia"

Mobile IDs in practice: a pilot at the post office

How to obtain the digital identity and what it can do

Security, risks, and the European context

Martin Hrachala

Melinda Burdanová

Recommendation speakers

Petr Mára

Aleš Mlátilík

Patrik Krauspe

Radim Dvořák

DISCUSSION "Digital Documents on Mobile: The Future of Identity in Slovakia"

Mobile IDs in practice: a pilot at the post office

How to obtain the digital identity and what it can do

Security, risks, and the European context

Martin Hrachala

Melinda Burdanová

Recommendation speakers

Petr Mára

Aleš Mlátilík

Patrik Krauspe

Radim Dvořák

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