Digital Citizen, a new app available on Google Play and the App Store, was launched on Thursday, ushering in a “new era” in digital services for the public and businesses.

President Nikos Christodoulides said the app allowed people to issue and save official documents, initially identity cards, driver’s licences and MOT certificates, with more to be added later.

“The new era is here: easy, simple, digital,” he said.

Procedures become easier and it is not necessary to carry hard copies, the president said.

“It is a very important step towards the digital transformation of our country, aiming at the creation of a modern, friendly and effective state. Simplifying procedures, saving time and improving services are at the epicentre of our effort, with the ultimate goal being to upgrade the quality of life of all Cypriots and improving their daily life,” he said.

The deputy digital policy ministry said the mobile application documents were valid for official use within the country, however they could not be used as international travel documents.

To create a digital copy, one would need to have already obtained the hard copy.

The deputy ministry called on all organisations to immediately incorporate the acceptance of digital documents in their procedures, which will later become obligatory.

To use the app, people will need an active and certified CY Login profile, which allows access to state systems and services.

The validity of all digital documents can be easily verified by scanning a QR code.

Digital Citizen will be presented officially, along with other tools, on December 12.

Information and Q&A regarding the new app can be found at www.digital-citizen.gov.cy