identification

The Ontario government is looking at how to provide government-issued identification in a digital form.

It intends to launch a consultation period before introducing legislation in the near future.

Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Stephen Crawford, says it accounts for how technology is being used.

“As technology rapidly grows into a bigger part of everyday life, people expect important services and information to be available securely and conveniently from their own mobile devices,” says Crawford.

“Today’s announcement is about taking that next step in the evolution by exploring how we can help Ontarians access and use government-issued identification in a way that is secure and privacy-protective. “

Crawford says the plan is to bring forward legislation in the latter part of 2027.

He says it will include a commitment to continue having driver’s licenses, health cards and other government-issued i.d. available in their current form.

“Digital credentials would be optional and available alongside physical forms, giving Ontarians more choice in how they access services and present their identification,” says Crawford.

“Ontarians who prefer to continue using physical cards would be able to do so.”

Following the consultation process, the government intends to introduce a digital version of the Ontario Photo Card.

It is available to residents without a driver’s licence and is considered an acceptable form of identification when opening a bank account, accessing services, and proving identity.

Alberta, Quebec and British Columbia are among provinces currently offering digital forms of government i.d.