Moldova grants minors digital signature access at 14
The Moldovan government has approved amendments to the identity and residence documentation regulations, allowing citizens as young as 14 to request a qualified electronic signature linked to their national identification card.
Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, stated that the initiative is part of the national digital transformation strategy. This policy facilitates early access to electronic public services, ensuring digital integration upon the issuance of the first identity document.
The government emphasized that possessing a digital signature does not extend the minor’s full legal capacity. The feature is available exclusively upon the request of the minor and their legal representative.
Authorities are also standardizing access to public digital services via the national MPass platform. This system ensures secure and streamlined interactions with public institutions.
The Public Services Agency (ASP) reported that over 400,000 new-generation identity cards have been issued since their launch last year. These documents include integrated electronic signatures, providing a higher level of security for digital public services.
ASP Director Mircea Eșanu noted that adoption is rising, with approximately 90% of citizens aged 18 to 25 opting for the electronic signature. Currently, nearly 100 public services are fully available online.
To support this transition, the ASP has launched assisted self-service hubs at three multifunctional centers. Staff are now available to guide citizens through digital service navigation, ensuring broad accessibility to these new technological tools.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
