Ecuadorians are digitizing identity cards with mobile app
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Nearly three million Ecuadorians are now using a digital version of their national identification cards on their cell phones.
The Registro Civil began the program in 2024, and registration numbers have steadily increased. In the initial phase, 99,699 people signed up. That number grew to 1,297,189 in 2025 and reached 1,618,195 additional citizens in the first eight months of 2026.
Citizens access the digital card by downloading the DATA593 application, available on Google Play Store and App Store, and completing the registration process. The application not only provides the digital cédula but also consolidates various government services into one digital space, aiming to simplify access for citizens. Jorge Osorio, director general of the Registro Civil, emphasized the public’s positive response and stated that digital transformation is now integral to the services the government offers.
Diego Veintimilla, a doctor from Quito, reported he downloaded the app after renewing his ID card, finding it a convenient alternative for his professional activities. The digital ID carries the same legal weight as the physical card and can be used in both public and private institutions to verify identity. The government, under President Daniel Noboa, is promoting the initiative as part of a broader effort to modernize public services and improve efficiency.
