Poland to introduce electronic ID cards in 2019

According to the Ministry of Digitization, the first electronic IDs in Poland will be issued in Q1, 2019. The new IDs will be “contactless” and have a PIN number. According to Karol Okoński from the ministry, the current systems will be adapted to new cards by the Q3, 2018, by the end of next year. He added, that if Poland doesn’t start issuing the new IDs by that time, it will have to give back €150 million EU funds earmarked for that purpose. The process of replacing the current IDs will last till 2028, when the last such cards will expire, although if someone would like to exchange his ID for the new one, before the old one expires, it will be possible. Similar IDs are currently issued in 16 EU member states.