Ministry Issues Urgent Warning to mObywatel Users Ahead of August Deadline

The Ministry of Digital Affairs urges all mObywatel and mObywatel Junior users to log into the application by August 5, 2026, to avoid manual certificate updates and potential disruptions to digital documents.

Deadline for mObywatel Users

Users of the mObywatel and mObywatel Junior applications should pay attention to the deadline falling on August 5, 2026. The Ministry of Digital Affairs recommends logging into the application by this date at the latest. Individuals who fail to do so in time must expect additional procedures.

In August 2026, a standard, cyclical update of document certificates available in the mObywatel application will be carried out. Certificates are a technical security element protecting digital documents and allowing the application to confirm their validity. The Ministry of Digital Affairs indicates that users should log into the application no later than August 5, 2026.

In most cases, simply logging in is enough to initiate the automatic update. There is no need to download additional files, install separate software, submit an application, or visit an office. During the operation, messages regarding document refreshing may appear on the screen; these are informational and do not indicate an application failure.

The deadline also applies to children and youth using the mObywatel Junior application. Parents and guardians should therefore remind their child to log into the application before the indicated date. The automatic update will maintain the continuity of operation of documents located on the phone.

Risk of Document Expiration

If the certificate is not updated, the mobile document associated with it may expire after August 5. This does not automatically mean the loss of validity of the traditional physical document. The problem will concern the ability to use its digital equivalent within the application. Until the certificate is restored, the user may lose access to the mobile document or be unable to use it effectively.

The Ministry of Digital Affairs emphasizes that this is not a one-time action resulting from a system failure. Updating certificates is a standard element of maintaining application security and the reliability of digital documents. The certificate confirms the authenticity of data and enables its secure use in electronic services.

It is also worth noting that logging in by August 5 is not a new administrative obligation subject to a fine. The user does not face a penalty or monetary fine. The consequence of missing the deadline, however, will be additional steps required to reactivate the documents in the application.

Additional Authentication for mDowód and Temporary Protection Documents

The most actions will have to be performed by individuals whose certificates expire before they are renewed. In the case of mDowód and the Temporary Protection Document, restoring validity will require re-confirming identity via the National Node. The user will be able to use, among others, a trusted profile, electronic banking, or an e-ID card.

For other documents, the procedure is intended to be simpler. After logging into the application, users will need to open the details of a given document and manually trigger its update. The exact procedure will therefore depend on the type of document and the message displayed in the application.

mDowód should not be confused with an e-ID card. mDowód is a mobile document available in the application, whereas an e-ID card is a physical identity card equipped with an electronic layer. The ministry lists the e-ID card as one of the methods for re-authenticating the user after the mDowód certificate expires.

Student ID Requires a New QR Code

A separate procedure will cover some students using the Student ID in mObywatel. Not every student will need to take additional action. The obligation will arise for those individuals who receive a notification in the application about the need to independently update the document.

In such a case, the student should report to the dean’s office for a new QR code and then add the Student ID back into the application. This action must be completed by August 5, 2026. If the document is not added again in time, the student will lose the ability to use the mobile ID until the required procedure is carried out.

This applies to access to the digital ID, rather than automatic removal from the student list or loss of student status. The expiration of the certificate does not change the data located in the university system. However, it may temporarily prevent the confirmation of entitlements using the document displayed in mObywatel.

School ID in the mObywatel Junior App

Special rules also apply to the School ID in the mObywatel Junior application. If its certificate is not updated before expiration, it will be necessary to generate a new QR code on the Integrated Educational Platform. Then, using this code, the ID must be added back to the child’s application.

The Ministry of Digital Affairs therefore recommends not postponing the login to the last minute. The user should launch the application on a phone with internet access, log in, and wait for the automatic refresh to complete. If the application displays additional instructions regarding a specific document, those instructions must be followed.

Certificate Security and Data Protection

The certificate in mObywatel is not a file that the user should independently search for on the internet or download from an email message. The entire standard operation takes place inside the official application. Users should exercise caution regarding text messages, emails, and advertisements directing them to external websites, especially if they request bank login details, passwords, BLIK codes, or payment card information.

Proper certificate renewal does not require payment. Users should also not install applications sent via messages or pass login codes on to third parties. The safest solution is to independently launch mObywatel from the phone and check the messages displayed directly within the application.