Please note that starting from 01.01.2022, it will no longer be possible to apply for new PIN codes for documents that were issued prior to 30.11.2018.
The ID-card is a mandatory identity document for all Estonian citizens. You can request one from the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
Together with the ID card the applicant is issued a code envelope with the security codes of the ID card (PIN and PUK codes). Security codes can be used as an ID card and the electronic certificates printed on it are valid. Security codes do not need to be activated separately and there is no time limit for the first use of the codes.
From January 2023. it is possible to get new ID cards not only from the Police and Border Guard Board, but also from shops. Detailed information on the website of the Police and Border Guard Board.
| If you have any questions when applying for an ID card and PIN envelopes, contact the customer support of the Police and Border Guard Board at [email protected] |
If you have lost your PIN code and PUK code, you can request a new code envelope without replacing the ID-card.
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Show Hide 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.
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. 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.
Do you need a new or your first ID-card?
You can only request an ID card through the Police and Border Guard Board – to avoid waiting in a queue, we recommend booking an appointment the service and making sure you have all the necessary documents to hand.
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Show Hide Digital documents (incl. ID-cards, digital IDs, residence permit cards and e-resident’s digital IDs) are issued by the Police and Border Guard Board. Applications can be submitted at both service points and self-service points.
From January 2023. it is possible to get new ID cards not only from the Police and Border Guard Board, but also from shops. Detailed information on the website of the Police and Border Guard Board.
E-resident’s digital IDs can also be conveniently applied for via the e-residency website.
All digital identity documents are subject to state fees, i.e. issue fees.
If you are abroad, you can also apply for documents and collect them at foreign missions of the Republic of Estonia. Keep in mind that document applications are only accepted by Estonian embassies while documents ordered can also be collected from Estonian honourary consulates.
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Show Hide You can check the status of your application for an Estonian passport and ID-card on the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) document application status website: fill in the form (first name, surname and personal identification code) and click on the ‘Submit’ button.
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Show Hide In order to use the ID-card electronically on your computer or smart device, you need:
1. A valid ID-card
Check that the ID-card itself has not expired. You will find the expiry date on the ID-card.
2. Valid certificates
Certificates are electronic evidence that connects you (i.e. your ID-card) and the activities performed with your ID-card.
Don’t worry if you don’t know the validity of your certificates: assume that everything is in order when you start installing the software.
If you are an electronic user of the ID-card, you can check your certificates via DigiDoc4. DigiDoc4 will let you know if the certificate has been suspended or has expired.Read more if necessary:
What are ID-card Certificates3. PINs
The PIN and PUK codes were issued to you in a sealed envelope with your ID-card. If you have forgotten your PIN1 or PIN2, but still have your PUK, you can use it to change your PINs yourself. If there is no PUK either, you must request new PINs from the Police and Border Guard Board or a foreign representation of the Republic of Estonia.
Read more if necessary:
What are PINs and how can they be changed?4. Internet connection
The computer on which you want to install the ID-card must have a working Internet connection. If you’re reading this guideline on another smart device, check that your computer is connected to the Internet!
5. ID-card reader
You can buy an ID-card reader from almost every computer shop and it is also available in many shopping centres, petrol stations, etc. Just ask!
Read more if necessary:
How to check that the ID-card reader is working?
