Discover the Scenario Where Digital Driving License and ID on Mobile Won’t Suffice
You can now store your driving license and ID card on your mobile phone, eliminating the need for physical copies, except in one specific case. Find out more in this article.
To simplify citizens’ lives, you can now carry your driving license and citizen card (CC) digitally on your mobile phone through a digital wallet. With this convenience, there’s no need to carry physical documents. However, there is one scenario where physical documents are still mandatory. Learn when this applies in this article.
Adding your driving license and/or citizen card to your mobile is straightforward if you have your Digital Mobile Key (CMD) activated and the official application installed.
How to Proceed?
According to Human Resources Portugal, quoting Ekonomista, “the process is quite simple, and you just need to follow these steps to get your driving license and citizen card on your mobile:
- Install the free id.gov.pt application available for Android and iOS.
- Activate your account using the CMD. After activation, you can store, view, and share the information of the stored documents.
- If your CMD is not activated, you can request it online at autenticação.gov or in person at the Institute of Registries and Notary or Citizen’s Space.
Once your account is activated with CMD, you can choose to upload the documents individually, selecting which ones to add, or upload them all at once.”
After completing the entire registration process, your documents will be available in a “digital wallet.”
Through the app, you can view your card details, such as the CC, identify yourself to authorities, or even export a digitally certified PDF document.
The application functions without an internet connection, but in these cases, you can only access the data of the documents stored in your wallet.
When is it Insufficient to Present Documents on Your Mobile?
It is crucial to note that the application is valid only in Portugal. Therefore, when traveling or being abroad, you must carry the necessary physical cards. The official application also allows you to store other documents.
Traveling within the European Union (EU)?
According to ePortugal.gov, if you are a Portuguese citizen (or have a long-term visa or legal residence in Portugal), you can cross borders between EU countries that are part of the Schengen area without presenting the CC or passport. However, it is advisable to have an identity document with you, as it may be required to show to authorities or for air travel, for example.
Note that a driving license or bank cards are not accepted as identification in travel situations.
Traveling Outside the EU?
According to the same source, before traveling, ensure you have a valid passport or renew it if necessary. Some countries require the passport to be valid for up to 6 months after the travel date.
In advance, check with your travel agency or consult embassies and consulates to determine if you need a visa for the countries you plan to visit and the deadline for applying for that visa. Do not travel without the necessary visa. You can apply for this document online or through the representative entities of the destination country (embassies or consulates).