eDoklady

eDoklady: The Official Czech Digital ID Application

The eDoklady mobile application is the Czech Republic's official state platform for securely storing and presenting a digital version of your government-issued identity card. Developed by the Ministry of the Interior, eDoklady allows citizens to prove their identity using their smartphone instead of a physical ID card at participating government offices and during police checks. This app represents a significant step in the country's digital transformation, offering a convenient and state-backed alternative for identity verification.

Initial Setup and Document Activation

To begin using eDoklady, you must first download the app and then activate its core function: adding your ID card. This process requires your physical ID card with a functional chip and the eObčanka feature previously activated. You initiate the pairing by opening the eDoklady application and selecting the option to add a new document. The app will instruct you to place your physical ID card on the back of your NFC-enabled phone. The phone reads the data from the card's chip, and after verifying your identity with a PIN code, your digital ID is securely transferred and stored within the eDoklady app. This one-time setup links your physical and digital credentials.

Proving Identity to an Official Verifier

The primary function of eDoklady is to facilitate contactless identity checks with authorized personnel, such as a police officer or a municipal office clerk. When asked for ID, you open the eDoklady app on your phone and select the option to prove your identity. The verifier simultaneously opens their official verification application. Your phone and the verifier's device connect via Bluetooth. You then approve the data-sharing request on your screen, which transmits only the necessary identity data for the check. The entire process using eDoklady is designed to be swift and eliminates the need to hand over your physical document.

Understanding Valid Use Cases and Locations

It is crucial to understand where you can and cannot use your digital ID. The acceptance of eDoklady is being rolled out in phases across the Czech Republic. As of mid-2024, it is accepted for identity verification at most central and regional state administration bodies, municipal offices with extended powers, and during checks by the Police of the Czech Republic. You can confidently use eDoklady in these scenarios. However, you must still carry your physical ID card for specific administrative acts, like getting married, or when traveling abroad, as the eDoklady is not yet valid outside the country.

Managing Document Expiry and Renewal Notifications

The digital ID in your eDoklady app is directly tied to the validity of your physical ID card. The application includes a management feature that monitors your document's expiration date. Approximately 90 days before your physical ID card expires, the eDoklady app will begin displaying persistent notifications alerting you to the impending expiration. This reminder is critical because once your physical card expires, the digital version within eDoklady will automatically become invalid and unusable. To continue using the service, you must renew your physical ID card and then repeat the activation process within the eDoklady application with the new document.

Offline Functionality for Identity Verification

A key technical advantage of eDoklady is its ability to function without an active internet connection at the precise moment of verification. The data exchange between your device and the verifier’s device occurs via Bluetooth, which does not require internet access. This means you can prove your identity with eDoklady even in areas with poor or no mobile data coverage, such as during a roadside check. It is important to note that an internet connection is still required for other functions, including the initial setup of eDoklady, updating the application, and refreshing your document data.

Planned Future Expansions and Document Types

The eDoklady application is designed as a platform for multiple digital documents, not just the national ID card. The current roadmap for eDoklady includes a planned expansion of supported documents and use cases. From January 2025, the application is scheduled to become valid for identification at Czech embassies abroad and at precinct polling stations during elections. The development team also plans to integrate additional official documents beyond the ID card in the future, aiming to create a comprehensive digital wallet for Czech citizens, making the eDoklady app an even more essential tool.