A new feature is coming to the Auto Public Services application: it will be able to copy paper versions of driver’s licenses and OSAGO policies into a digital form. Road users could be asked to show these documents to traffic officers via their mobile devices—without needing the physical papers in hand. The catch remains clear: one must not forget to bring the paper documents and a mobile device to the encounter. The shift toward digital copies aims to streamline checks on the road, reduce the risk of lost documents, and speed up interactions with traffic authorities.
In another development, the Ministry of Digital Development and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation are planning to introduce a public service that will assign unique QR codes to driving licenses and OSAGO policies. These QR codes would enable rapid electronic verification of essential documents during roadside checks and official inspections.
Officials from the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia have publicly asserted ongoing efforts to digitize services within the broader framework of the State Services Auto mobile application. The objective is to enhance the system by enabling drivers to present a driver’s license and OSAGO policy information in the form of QR codes inside a mobile application. This initiative is described as part of a broader push to modernize identification and vehicle-related documentation through digital means and to improve the user experience for drivers and law enforcement alike.
Current work is focused not only on the user interface and experience of the new service but also on the regulatory framework that would govern QR code use. From a legal standpoint, the codes could potentially serve as a duplication of the rights and coverage documents they replace, ensuring that the digital versions carry the same validity as the originals. It is important to recall that earlier in the process, QR codes were applied to vehicle registration certificates, which could be submitted electronically to inspectors through the Gosuslugi Avto application. The shift toward digitized records reflects a broader trend toward online verification, reducing the need for physical paperwork while preserving legal certainty for road checks and insurance verification.
Analysts note that the move aligns with a wider international trend toward digital identity and mobile-first government services. For drivers, this can mean faster verification, fewer trips to public offices, and a clearer audit trail that reduces disputes arising from lost or damaged documents. For traffic officers, digitally issued QR codes could provide a consistent, machine-readable method to confirm a driver’s license status and OSAGO policy details in real time. The long-term success of such a system will depend on robust data security, interoperability with other federal databases, and clear guidelines about the scope and limits of digital copies during enforcement activities. Observers in technology policy emphasize that digital documents must be equally accessible to all users, including those who may have limited connectivity or older devices, and must include strong privacy protections and opt-in mechanisms where appropriate.
As these plans advance, Canadian and American readers may see parallels in their own countries. Many North American jurisdictions are experimenting with digital driving credentials, mobile vehicle records, and QR-based verification in pilot programs or phased rollouts. The core concept is familiar: making essential documents portable and verifiable via smartphones to reduce friction and improve service delivery, while maintaining legal integrity and protection against fraud. Stakeholders stress the importance of transparency, user consent, and clear communication about what data is included in digital copies, how it is used, and how it can be updated or revoked if needed. The anticipated gravity of this transformation is not just about convenience; it is about enabling safer, more efficient road systems and building trust between citizens and government services through reliable digital tools. In this context, the Russian initiative can be seen as part of a global shift toward more accessible, mobile-first governance that prioritizes accuracy, speed, and accountability in everyday mobility. Moreover, people in North America can look to the evolving landscape as an example of how public services adapt to new technologies while striving to protect personal information and ensure inclusivity for all users.