The Ministry of Digital Development of Russia has announced a significant expansion of use cases for electronic birth certificates. Citizens will now be able to present the digital document via the «Digital ID» service in the Max messenger when receiving various services, including transport trips, medical care, and visits to cultural institutions.
New capabilities of Digital ID
The electronic birth certificate is now officially approved for purchasing tickets, boarding various types of transport, and arranging preferential or free travel. In addition, the document is accepted when applying for medical care under compulsory health insurance and when visiting multifunctional centers (MFC), significantly simplifying bureaucratic procedures for parents.
Culture, sports, and leisure
Beyond transport and medicine, the innovation covers culture and sports. The birth certificate in the Max messenger can be presented when visiting museums, cultural, and sports events. This also applies to purchasing discounted tickets and obtaining other related services that require official confirmation of a child's age or identity.
How verification technology works
All necessary information about the document is stored in a special «Family and Children» section within the «Digital ID» service. To verify the data, a parent only needs to display a special QR-код on their smartphone screen. An organization employee scans it using a mobile device, after which the data is instantly verified in the system.
Background and voluntary format
Earlier, a similar digital document was already permitted for use when checking into hotels and lodgings across the country. According to the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, more than three thousand hotels have already voluntarily joined this program. At the same time, the agency emphasizes that the use of the electronic certificate remains strictly voluntary, and the traditional paper certificate retains full legal force.
