TORONTO, October 27, 2026 – The Ontario government announced on October 23 that it will gradually introduce a provincial digital identification program, allowing residents to eventually present official identification on their smartphones, including digital photo cards, driver’s licences and health cards. The program is still in the planning stages, and physical identification documents remain valid.
Ontario’s Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement said the government plans to launch public consultations by the end of 2026 to examine the technical design, privacy protections and practical use of digital identification. Following the consultations, the province will begin by testing a digital version of the Ontario Photo Card.
The Ontario Photo Card is primarily intended for residents who do not have a driver’s licence and can be used for opening bank accounts and other situations requiring official identification. Currently, Ontario residents aged 16 or older who do not hold a driver’s licence can apply for a physical Ontario Photo Card through ServiceOntario.
The initial application fee is $35, and the card is valid for five years. It is usually delivered by mail within four to six weeks after the application is submitted. Applicants must provide identification documents proving their legal name and date of birth.
Under current rules, Ontario residents cannot hold both an Ontario Photo Card and a driver’s licence at the same time. Those who already have a driver’s licence must surrender it if they apply for an Ontario Photo Card.
The province said the future digital identification program will be voluntary and that it plans to introduce legislation by the end of 2027 to protect residents’ continued access to and use of physical identification documents. There is currently no requirement for residents to switch to digital identification on their phones.
Specific launch dates for digital driver’s licences and digital health cards have not yet been announced. The province has also not released details about where the digital documents will be accepted, smartphone requirements, or how personal information will be stored and verified.
Until official digital health cards are introduced, residents must continue using their physical health cards when seeking medical care or picking up prescriptions. A photograph of a health card saved on a smartphone cannot replace an official health card.
Residents who need to apply for or renew an Ontario Photo Card can continue to do so through ServiceOntario.
（LJI by Yuanyuan）
