While it won’t replace traditional ID absolutely everywhere, it’s really useful. Find out where you can use mID available in the mObywatel application and where you still need a physical document.
Where you can use mID in mObywatel and where you can’t
The mObywatel application is gaining more and more popularity in Poland, offering a convenient solution: mID – a digital version of the ID card. Currently, over 8 million Poles use this electronic document, but it cannot replace a traditional ID card everywhere.
Can mID really replace a classic ID card? In what situations is it sufficient and when do we still need a traditional document? In this article, we will look at places where mID is accepted and situations where its use may be insufficient. Check where you can use mID to always be prepared for various situations.
What is mProof?
mDowód, available in the mObywatel application, is an electronic ID card that allows you to confirm your identity without the need to carry a physical document. Its unique features include a number and series different from the classic ID card, and its validity is 5 years. To activate mID, you need Polish citizenship and authentication via Trusted Profile, electronic banking or e-ID.
Where can you use mID?
In Poland, mID is becoming more and more useful and is accepted in many places, which means that it is increasingly possible to give up a physical document. Here are the situations in which you can safely use mID:
- During a roadside inspection – The police accept mID as an identity card, which means that drivers do not have to have a traditional ID card with them.
- In offices and public institutions – mID is recognized in most public administration offices, which simplifies administrative formalities.
- When opening a bank account – From September 1, 2023, banks in Poland are obliged to accept mID as a form of identity confirmation, which makes it much easier to open an account without the need to have a physical ID.
- At the post office – When collecting parcels, mID is accepted just like a regular ID.
- At the notary’s – mID is accepted for notarial activities that require proof of identity.
- When we deal with matters related to telecommunications or energy – When concluding contracts for telecommunications or energy services, mID can be used as an identity card.
Where can’t you use mID?
Although mID makes life easier in many situations, there are still places where it is not sufficient. Below are some situations where you still need a physical ID card:
- Crossing borders – mID is not recognized as a travel document, which means that a classic ID card or passport is required when crossing borders (depending on where you are going).
- Applying for a new ID card – When applying for a new ID document, you must have a physical ID card.
- Some medical facilities – Still not all medical facilities accept mID, especially in places where systems are not adapted to handle digital documents. In such situations, a traditional ID card may be required.
- Selected private institutions – mId is not accepted everywhere. Diverse technological standards mean that some companies, e.g. hotels, sports clubs or some banks, may refuse to accept it.
mID is a practical and modern tool that makes the lives of many Poles easier. However, in some situations, such as crossing borders or applying for a new document, it is still necessary to have a physical ID card. The constantly growing popularity of mID indicates that digital identity is becoming more and more accessible and convenient, although the full universality of this solution still requires time.
sources: Ministry of Digitization, gov.pl
