In July of last year, identity verification was added to the Estonian app. It allows proving identity with a smartphone. However, there are few users because the use of the digital document is voluntary. The app also lacks a convenient solution for businesses.
According to RIA head Kai Kallas, the app can verify identity only between private individuals. A person can show their ID card or passport to another person. This uses a QR code. The other person (for example, a seller) can scan the code and check the data.
Currently, only private individuals can check the digital document. Businesses (such as grocery stores) cannot do this. A cashier can check only as a private individual, not as a store.
Identity verification is mainly used by the Unemployment Insurance Fund and PRIA. Tallinn libraries use the phone's barcode, but identity is not verified there. The system only sees the personal code.
Businesses like Selver do not use the digital document. According to Selver, it is not secure. Smart-ID or Mobiil-ID is more reliable. Rimi also does not use the state app for identity verification. They use physical documents or Smart-ID.
Some nightclubs use the app by security personnel. A visitor must show their document in the app. However, this is rare.
RIA recommends carrying a physical document. The digital solution is new and needs time. RIA is working on a solution for legal entities. It is expected to be ready this year.
Identity verification was added to the app on July 7, 2022. Development cost 850,000 euros.