ID cards and driving licences on phones from Thursday, minister says

North Macedonia will begin issuing electronic versions of identity cards and driving licences for citizens to carry on their mobile phones starting Thursday, the Minister of Digital Transformation, Stefan Andonovski, announced ahead of the app's promotional event.

App functions as an electronic wallet with single-use QR sharing

The mobile application, which will be presented on Wednesday, operates as an electronic wallet and from Thursday enters official use, Andonovski said. It is intended to let people verify their identity without revealing all personal details shown on a physical ID or driving licence.

Andonovski explained the mechanics of data sharing: citizens will be able to choose which details to disclose and share them securely via a QR code generated for one-time use. In his words: "For example, when you want to identify yourself at a bank, a bar or another venue, you will not have to show all the data from the identity card. You will be able to choose which data you want to share, in a secure way. The data will be shared via a QR code, which is generated for single use. The code is scanned, and the other person receives the data only if you allow it. After 10 to 15 seconds, the QR code expires and cannot be used again."

The minister emphasised that considerable attention was given to the app's security features, adding that this rollout marks the start of a process aimed at reaching the European digital wallet standard and full digitisation of documents.

Andonovski also said he expects the mobile wallet to expand over time with additional services, options and documents made available to citizens as the platform develops.

Photo: press material from the event