Toronto residents can opt into digital Ontario IDs, with physical cards guaranteed by law

Ontario is starting to introduce optional digital provincial credentials, and the province says physical versions will stay available. Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, announced the phased rollout in Toronto on October 23, 2026.

Crawford said: "As we modernize government services, we're making identification more secure, convenient and cost-effective." He added: "Digital credentials will provide a trusted and seamless way to present identification, helping protect personal information while retaining every Ontario resident's right to use physical I.D."

The province says digital credentials store official credentials on mobile devices, usable online or in person. It says they would reduce the risk of lost or stolen identification and identity theft. Proposed legislation would permanently guarantee Ontario residents' access to physical versions, with introduction intended for late 2027.

Consultations start in late 2026 and will shape how the credentials are built. They will also explore potential cost savings for government and taxpayers. The next step after that is a digital version of the Ontario Photo Card, a government-issued photo ID for residents without a driver's licence. Digital driver's licences and health cards come later, with no date fixed.

The province says the approach aligns with Alberta, Quebec and British Columbia. The cost of the program, and who pays for it, is not stated in the release. Consultation dates and format are also not given beyond "late 2026." The Fall Economic Statement is due October 29, 2026.