We recommend memorizing the PIN and PUK codes that were automatically issued with your ID-card. Depending on the date of issue of the ID-card, the PIN and PUK codes can be used to perform the following operations:
| IDEMIA (ID-cards issued until 14.11.2025) | Thales (ID-cards issued from 17.11.2025) | |
|---|---|---|
| Both PIN- ja PUK-codes are missing or forgotten | You must apply for a new code envelope from PPA service office. | 1. Forgotten PUK-code can be viewed from PPA self service. 2. Alternatively, you can apply for a new code envelope at the PPA service office. |
| Changing the PIN-code (PUK is know) | PIN-code can be changed in DigiDoc application using the known PUK-code. | PIN-code can be changed in DigiDoc application using the known PUK-code. |
| PIN-codes are blocked (PUK is known) | PIN1 and PIN2 block can be removed from DigiDoc application, using the known PUK-code. | PIN1 and PIN2 block can be removed from DigiDoc application, using the known PUK-code. |
| Viewing your PUK-code | You can't view your PUK-code. You must apply for a new security envelope with PIN and PUK codes at a PPA service office or a diplomatic mission of the Republic of Estonia. | 1. PUK-code can be viewed from PPA self service. 2. Alternatively, you can request a valid PUK code from the PPA service office, which will be sent by post to an address in Estonia. |
| Changing your PUK-code | 1. PIN-code can be changed in DigiDoc application using the known PUK-code. 2. Possibility to apply for a new code envelope from the PPA service office. |
PUK-code can not be changed. For a new PUK code, you must apply for a new code envelope from the PPA service office. |
| PUK-code is blocked | You must apply for a new code envelope from PPA service office. | If the PUK code is blocked, you must apply for the new document. |
| Suspending the certificates | 1. By calling 677 3377. 2. In PPA service office. |
Certificates cannot be suspended. Certificates can only be revoked. |
| Certificate revocation / certificate invalidation | 1. In PPA service office. 2. By e-mail, with digitally signed application. 3. By mail. |
1. PPA self service choosing service "Revocation of ID card certificates" (logging in with a valid eID). 2. In PPA service office. 3. By e-mail, with digitally signed application. 4. By mail. |
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Changing PIN codes is very simple and you can do it with the PUK code even if you have forgotten the valid PIN codes. If you remember or have access to your PIN codes, you don’t even need the PUK code.
Changing the codes is very simple: insert your ID-card into the card reader and open DigiDoc4 in your computer (Instructions for finding the "DigiDoc4" application on your computer can be found here). Wait until DigiDoc4 has read your ID-card data and choose ‘My eID’ from the menu.
Then choose which code you would like to change.
NB! PUK codes for the ID-cards issued from 17. November 2025 can be viewed from Police and Border Guard self-service, selecting service “View ID-card PUK”. It’s not possible to change PUK code for those ID-cards. You can request a PUK envelope containing your forgotten PUK code at the Police and Border Guard Board's service centers. The PUK code envelope will only be sent to an address in Estonia and is subject to a state fee.To change PIN1 code, click on the button ‘CHANGE PIN1’.
You must enter the valid PIN1 code and then the new PIN1 code twice.
The PIN1 that was automatically issued to you contains 4 digits. The new PIN1 code can contain 4-12 digits as long as:
- it contains only numbers;
- the new PIN1 does not match your previous PIN1;
- you don't choose the same number for your PIN1, PIN2 and PUK code;
- you avoid using your birthdate and other easily derived codes such as 0000, 1111, 1234 etc.
To change the PIN2 code, click on the button ‘CHANGE PIN2’.
You must enter the valid PIN2 code and then the new PIN2 code twice.
The PIN2 that was automatically issued to you contains 5 digits. The new PIN2 code can contain 5-12 digits as long as:
- it contains only numbers;
- the new PIN2 does not match your previous PIN2;
- you don’t choose the same number for your PIN1, PIN2 and PUK code;
- you avoid using your birthdate and other easily derived codes such as 00000, 12345, etc.
To change the PUK code, click on the button ‘CHANGE PUK’.
You must enter the valid PUK code and then the new PUK code twice.
The PUK code that was automatically issued to you contains 8 digits. The new PUK code can contain 8-12 digits, as long as:
- it contains only numbers;
- the new PUK does not match your previous PUK;
- you don’t choose the same number for your PIN1, PIN2 and PUK code;
- you avoid using your birthdate and other easily derived codes such as 00000000, 12345678, etc.
A message will be displayed on your screen if the code was successfully changed.
NB! PUK codes for the ID-cards issued from 17. November 2025 can be viewed from Police and Border Guard self-service, selecting service “View ID-card PUK”. It’s not possible to change PUK code for those ID-cards. You can request a PUK envelope containing your forgotten PUK code at the Police and Border Guard Board's service centers. The PUK code envelope will only be sent to an address in Estonia and is subject to a state fee.
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Step 1: insert the ID-card into the card reader and open the DigiDoc4 application
The DigiDoc4 icon should be visible in the computer programs list. For users of the following operating systems, the DigiDoc4 application can be found as follows:
- A Windows user can also find it by following the path "Start → All Programs → ID card → DigiDoc4".
- A MacOS user can also find it by following the path "Finder → Go → Applications → DigiDoc4".
- An Ubuntu user can also find it by following the path "Applications menu (by clicking the nine dots at the bottom left of the screen) → DigiDoc4".
Step 2: open ‘My eID’ from the DigiDoc4 menu
Check that DigiDoc4 shows your personal data and open the option ‘My eID’ from the left menu. Here you can see which certificate’s PIN code is blocked.
Step 3: unblock
In order to unblock PIN codes, press the button ‘UNBLOCK’. A window with a PIN code unblocking option will be displayed on your screen, where you must enter a valid PUK code and then the chosen PIN code twice.
Unblocking PIN1 (person identification) and PIN2 (signing) works the same way, but you should remember that:
- PIN1 code must contain 4-12 digits;
- PIN2 code must contain 5-12 digits.
The new code must be different from the previous PIN code, include only numbers and not match (neither partially or fully) your personal identification code.
Fill in the columns and press the button ‘UNBLOCK’. If they PUK code was entered correctly and the new PIN codes complied with the requirements and matched each other, you can see the notice on your screen that the PIN code is unblocked.
What if the PUK code is locked?
If you entered the PUK code incorrectly three times in a row, this will be locked too. In order to continue using your ID-card electronically, you must apply a code envelope with new PIN and PUK codes from the Police and Border Guard Board or at the foreign representation of the Republic of Estonia.
NB! PUK codes for the ID-cards issued from 17. November 2025 can be viewed from Police and Border Guard self-service, selecting service “View ID-card PUK”. It’s not possible to change PUK code for those ID-cards. You can request a PUK envelope containing your forgotten PUK code at the Police and Border Guard Board's service office. The PUK code envelope will only be sent to an address in Estonia and is subject to a state fee. It is not possible to cancel the PUK code block on ID-cards issued from 17.11.2025, if that's the case, a new document must be requested. -
Step 1: open the RIA DigiDoc application on your phone
In the main menu, select the view "My eID". Next, you need to identify yourself either via "ID-card via NFC" or "ID card via USB".
ID-card via NFC
Enter the 6-digit CAN number of your ID card and press the "Identify" button. After successfully retrieving data from the ID card, you will be automatically redirected to the "My eID" view.
ID-card via a USB
Connect a supported ID card reader to the device and insert the ID card into the reader. After successfully retrieving data from the ID card, you will be automatically redirected to the "My eID" view.
Step 2: select the PIN you are about to change
From the "My eID" view, select "PIN`s and certificates". Choose the PIN code you want to change. If both PIN1 and PIN2 codes are locked or forgotten, you will need to change each of them separately.
Step 3: select the PIN code changing or unblocking option
If you remember your current PIN code, click the "Change PIN1" or "Change PIN2" button. If the PIN codes are locked (blocked) and you want to reset them using the PUK code, select "Forgot PIN1?" or "Forgot PIN2?"
Step 4: create new PINs
If you remember your current PIN codes, you can change them using the “Change PIN code” button: you will need to enter both the valid current PIN code and the new PIN code. After entering the new PIN code, click the “Continue” button and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you don’t remember your current PIN codes or they are blocked, you need to enter a valid PUK code and then a new chosen PIN code. After entering the new PIN code, click the “Unlock PIN1 or PIN2” button. Follow the instructions on the phone screen, and everything will go smoothly!
NB! When choosing PIN codes, keep in mind that:
- They must not contain your personal identification code or any part of it, must consist of numbers only, and must be different from your previous PIN codes.
- PIN1 must be 4 to 12 digits long.
- PIN2 must be 5 to 12 digits long.
- Choose PIN codes that are easy for you to remember or recall, but difficult for others to guess!
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Step 1: open the RIA DigiDoc application on your phone
Insert your ID-card in to the card reader and select ‘My eID’. Wait until your data has been retrieved by the RIA DigiDoc app and open ‘PIN codes and certificates’.
Step 2: select the PIN you are about to change
Select the PIN you want to change. If PIN1 and PIN2 codes are locked or you have forgotten them, you must change both of them separately.
Step 3: select the PIN code changing or unblocking option
If you remember your current PIN, click on ‘Change PIN1’ or ‘Change PIN2’. If your PIN codes have been blocked and you wish to create new ones using your PUK code, click on the ‘Forgot PIN1?’ or ‘Forgot PIN2?’ link below the button.
Step 4: create new PINs
If you remember your current PINs, you can change them using the ‘Change PIN’ button’; you need to enter both the current PIN and the new PIN. Once you have entered the new PIN, click on the ‘Change’ button.
If you do not remember your current PINs or if they are blocked, you need to enter your valid PUK code and then your new PIN. Once you have entered the new PIN, click on the ‘Unblock’ button.
Follow the instructions on the phone screen and everything will go smoothly.
NB! Upon selecting PIN codes, remember that:
- They must not include your personal identification code or parts thereof, they must only consist of numbers and differ from previous PINs.
- PIN1 must consist of 4-12 numbers.
- PIN2 must consist of 5-12 numbers.
- Choose PINs that are easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess.
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In order to obtain a new code envelope, you need to go to a Police and Border Guard Board service point a foreign representation of the Republic Estonia . Make sure to bring an identity document.
NB! PUK codes for the ID-cards issued from 17. November 2025 can be viewed from Police and Border Guard self-service, selecting service “View ID-card PUK”. It’s not possible to change PUK code for those ID-cards. You can request a PUK envelope containing your forgotten PUK code at the Police and Border Guard Board's service centers. The PUK code envelope will only be sent to an address in Estonia and is subject to a state fee.
Whenever possible, please choose a mobile ticket before visiting the service.
The applicable fees for the re-issuance of the code envelope can be found on the Police and Border Guard Board website. We definitely recommend changing automatically issued PIN codes immediately to ones that are easy for you to remember without having to write them down. You can change your PIN codes yourself in the DigiDoc4 application: this is simple and only takes a few minutes. For ID-cards issued after 17. November 2025, the PIN2 code must be changed in DigiDoc4 application before the first digital signature can be made.
Make sure to take good care of your PIN and PUK codes and keep them safe!
If your ID-card PINs are lost while abroad and returning to Estonia is not possible, you can obtain a new code envelope from a foreign representation of the Republic Estonia.
