Azerbaijan introduces digital ID cards for citizens

The President of Azerbaijan signed a law mandating adjustments to several provisions related to domestic relations, proof of identity, personal information, and data protection. Under this law, all information related to citizens' identity documentation can be obtained and shared through mygov — a digital government platform developed by the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA), which focuses on digital transformation and IT ecosystem building in Azerbaijan. The provision of data in such a manner will have the same legal force as presenting a physical ID card.

As a result, citizens will no longer need to carry a plastic ID at all times. Moreover, citizens will be able to access information about when, where, and to which institution they submitted their ID card details through the "mygov" application.

For businesses, this innovation will help simplify and speed up operations, reducing the need for physical ID cards and minimizing the use of paper. Along with identification card documents, the digital system will include birth, marriage, and death certificates.

In May 2024, the innovation potential of mygov was recognized internationally when the prime version of the new government portal won the WSIS Prizes ceremony in the category “ICT Applications: Benefits in All Aspects of Life.” The integration of new features on the mygov platform is another step toward the digital transformation of Azerbaijan’s society. As part of the digital strategy, the following initiatives have already been launched:

•  digital.login platform: Provides citizens access to over 140 electronic services from one place with a unified login system.
•  Digital Bridge: A National Information Exchange system designed to simplify and speed up data circulation between different ministries within Azerbaijan by digitizing them.
•  RSD - Paperless Government: Ensures the exchange of electronic documents between governmental institutions through the RSD subsystem.
•  Chief Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO) Program: Offers training and sessions to raise the digital excellence of government agency employees.
•  Cybersecurity Center: Allows students to conduct research and develop cutting-edge cybersecurity products to mitigate today's sophisticated cyber threats.

These and all future initiatives will help accelerate the digitalization of all processes within the country and streamline data exchange for the benefit of citizens, government entities, and businesses.