To have a better experience, you need to:
Learn about Ontario’s Digital Identity Program, which introduces a new, convenient way to prove who you are that will make accessing online and in-person services simpler, safer and more secure.
Related information on digital ID
Digital ID is an electronic version of trusted government identification that provides better safety, more security and stronger privacy than physical identification cards or documents.
It can be securely stored in a digital wallet app for smartphones and other digital devices (like tablets or computers) and will let people and businesses prove who they are both online and in person.
Digital ID is the foundation that will enable easier access to online services and make Ontario one of the world’s most digitally advanced jurisdictions, with a value for Ontarians, businesses and the government that is estimated at $20 billion
convenient — it lives on your mobile device and is always ready to use whenever you need it
secure — your data is protected using strong encryption and, unlike your physical wallet, your digital ID can easily be turned off if your phone is lost or stolen
privacy-preserving — for example, if you need to show you are age of majority, the verifier will only know you are over 18, not your date of birth or actual age
verifiable — just like a driver’s licence, a digital ID is certified government proof that you are who you say you are
in your control — you have full and complete control over what bits of your information you want to share and with whom you want to share it – no one can access your data without your agreement
voluntary — signing up for digital ID will be optional – you can still use physical ID whenever you want
not stored in a central database — your digital ID is stored only on your personal mobile device (for example, your phone or tablet) or computer and can be turned off remotely if your device or computer is lost or stolen
not a tracking device — the government will not know where you have been or where you used your digital ID
not usable without your permission — you must always consent (agree) before sharing any information
Physical forms of identification and credentials were not designed for the safety and security needs of the digital world. Current solutions, like scanning your driver’s licence and sending it by email are inconvenient and insecure.
Digital ID is a convenient and easy identification solution that’s made with the security and encryption we need to securely perform transactions and access services online.
COVID‑19 has made it clear that online transactions can be convenient and user-friendly. Ontario’s Digital ID will mean more businesses that require customer identification will be able to move their services online.
The pandemic has also taught us that contactless in-person service options (such as tap-to-pay instead of entering a PIN on a terminal) can help keep us safe. Ontario’s Digital ID will let you prove who you are in person without exchanging any physical documents.
To help you understand where it could work, here are some examples of future digital ID uses.
As an individual, you could use digital ID to prove your identity when you:
As a business, you could use digital ID when you:
Read a list of more ways digital ID could possibly be used.
We will be sharing how Ontario’s Digital ID will work in the coming months, but here is a simplified version of the typical process.
the Ontario digital wallet app and install it on your mobile device or computer
and verify your digital ID online or in person
and credentials to the digital wallet
to easily prove your credentials and access online and in-person services
the Ontario digital wallet app and install it on your mobile device or computer
and verify your digital ID online or in person
and credentials to the digital wallet
to easily prove your credentials and access online and in-person services
Learn about the technology and standards we are starting with for Ontario’s Digital ID.
Here’s what we’ve been up to since we announced Digital ID as part of Ontario Onwards: Ontario’s Action Plan for a People-Focused Government in October 2020:
The Government of Ontario includes ministries, agencies and Crown corporations.
There are many ways to contact the Government of Ontario.
Digital ID in Ontario | ontario.ca – Ontario.ca
