EU advances digital driver licences in Slovakia as Czech Republic retires old ID cards

The European Union’s new directive 2025/2205 mandates that member states introduce a digital driver’s licence stored in the EU Digital Identity Wallet. Slovakia will begin issuing the electronic licence in November 2025, with full practical use expected by November 2029, while physical licences will remain available for those without smartphones or travelling outside the EU.

In the Czech Republic, paper‑based identity cards and laminated versions lacking machine‑readable data will cease to be valid on 3 August. Holders, especially seniors born before 1 January 1936, must obtain a new biometric ID free of charge, with authorities offering home visits for immobile individuals. The change aims to meet modern security standards ahead of upcoming elections.

Both measures reflect a broader EU push to modernise identification documents, improve security and facilitate cross‑border verification.