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Digital ID FAQ

Updated

Find answers quickly to the most common questions about: 

 

E-Residency digital ID application and renewal

How do I apply for e-Residency? 
You can apply for e-Residency through the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board's official e-service. First time applicants and those renewing their digital ID can follow the step-by-step guidelines. For additional support, refer to the Police and Border Guard Board's FAQ. 
How can I pay the state fee in the e-service?  
The application environment accepts VISA and Mastercard credit or debot cards. If you're using a debit card, please ensure that online payments and 3D Secure authentication are enabled. If your payment doesn't go through, check the Police and Border Guard Board's FAQ for troubleshooting tips. 
My digital ID has expired. What should I do? 
You need to apply for a new digital ID. 
How can I renew using my current digital ID? 
If your current e-Residency digital ID card is still active or you have a active Smart-ID, you can log into the application environment and renew your digital ID more easily. The renewal form will be partially pre-filled based on your previous application, helping you save time. 
If you're unable to log in using your existing digital ID or Smart-ID, you'll need to create a new user account in the system with your email address and follow the standard application process - similar to a first-time application. 
My passport expired. Do I need a new e-Residency digital ID? 
No. Your e-Residency digital ID is valid for 5 years regardless of your passport's validity. However, your identification document must be valid at the time of application and when collecting your digital ID. 
My personal data changed. Do I need to reapply? 
Yes. If your name, citizenship or other personal details have changed, you must apply for a new digital ID and pay the state fee again. 
If you expect your name to change soon, we recommend applying only after receiving a new identification document reflecting your updated name. 
I need help submitting the application.
You will need to submit the application yourself. You can find useful tips at our How to apply article as well as on the Police and Border Guard Board website. 

 

E-Residency digital ID collection

Has my card arrived already to the pickup location? 
If you gave consent in your application to share your contact details with the e-Residency team, you’ll also receive login details for the My e-Residency Portal, where you can track your card’s delivery status online. If you didn't you will need to check your email for a notification from the pickup location. If you haven’t received an email within 2 months of submitting your application, contact your chosen pickup location directly.
Can someone else pick up my card?
No. You must collect your document in person as your fingerprints are required. It is not possible to give someone else the power of attorney to collect your document. It is also not possible to give your fingerprints at another time.
E-Residency was granted but I haven't heard anything since
You should receive an email notification when your e-Residency kit arrives - usually within 2–5 weeks after approval unless you have selected a mobile pickup point. If you haven’t heard anything, check your spam folder or contact your pickup location directly. For pickup location contact information, browse the pickup locations list. 
If you gave consent in your application to share your contact details with the e-Residency team, you’ll also receive login details for the My e-Residency Portal, where you can track your card’s delivery status online
Can you send my e-Residency kit by mail?
No. You must collect your kit in person. Your digital ID card comes with PIN codes that should never be shared with others, and the identity of the recipient must be verified at collection.
Can honorary consuls issue my e-Residency kit?
No. Only official Estonian embassies and approved pickup locations listed in the application can issue e-Residency digital ID cards. Honorary consuls or non-designated embassies cannot do so.
What if there is no pickup location in my country?
You will need to choose a pickup location in another country. Please keep in mind, once your e-Residency kit has arrived at your pickup location, you will need to collect it within 6 months. In many cases, your e-Residency kit is available for collection 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.
I am unable to pick up my e-Residency kit within 6 months.
If you have not shown interest in collecting your e-Residency kit within 6 months, it will be returned to Estonia and destroyed. If you still desire e-Residency, you will need to apply again.
I never collected my card and it was destroyed
To access Estonian e-services, you will need to apply again. The process is similar as the first time. 

 

E-Residency digital ID troubleshooting

ID Software user support

They can assist you with the electronic use of the card.

Visit their website to download software required for the e-Residency digital ID card or find troubleshooting advice on

  • Logging into e-services
  • Using digital ID card
  • Signing and encrypting documents

Use their Contact form  

My certificates are not active

If you have just received your e-Residency digital ID, please wait a little. The certificates are activated in every full hour.

Check the validity of your certificates on the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) site. 

If the certificates are not activated within 1 hour, contact the issuing authority, PBGB, at ppa@politsei.ee. Be sure to provide your full name, date of birth and document number.

I cannot log in with my digital ID

First, verify your smart card reader is recognized by your computer and reading data from your digital ID card chip. To do that, launch the DigiDoc4 software you installed on your computer. If the software recognizes your card and can read data, this is not the problem. You can also test your card and connection at the id.ee website. 

While the software is open, verify your PIN codes are not blocked. If PIN1 or PIN2 have been blocked, you can unblock them using your PUK code. Here are the instructions.

Next, determine if the problem is only occurring for one e-service or all e-services. Try to log into the State Portal, Company Registration Portal or any other e-service portal.

If the issue only occurs with certain websites and you are using macOS, it is possible macOS has cached a broken session and logging in via your digital ID card will not work. You can find a solution at ID help website. If you do not use macOS and still encounter a problem, please contact the site webmaster to inquire about the issue.

If the problem occurs on many sites, please contact the ID card help center using an online support form. 

My card is lost or stolen

To prevent the potential digital misuse, the certifications on the document must be revoked. If you suspect loss or theft, act immediately: 

If your card was issued from 3 December 2018 to 14 November 2025 

Notify the ID help centre by phone at (+372) 677 3377 to suspend your certificates. The phone line is open 24/7. 

If your card was issued from 17 November 2025 

Submit an application via the police self-service, titled Revocation of ID card certificates.

Can I check where my card has been used? 
Yes, but for that you need a digital ID or smart-ID to log into MyID environment, where you can view the history of transactions. 

 

Security codes

I changed my PIN codes and have forgotten them 
If you didn't change the PUK code and you have the code envelope, you can change your PIN codes by using DigiDoc4 application. If you have a new card issued from 17.November 2025 and you have a Smart-ID, you can view your PUK code at the Police self-service portal. If you have a card issued before 17. November 2025, you can apply for a new code envelope or a new card.   
Can you check and tell me my PIN codes?
No. It is not possible for third parties to check your PIN codes online. 
How can I get new PIN codes? 
Follow instructions at the Your security codes article - How to get new codes. 

 

USB Smart-card reader

My computer doesn't have a USB-A / USB-C port
You can use a USB adapter. Make sure that it is a device intended for data transmission. 
My card reader is broken
  1. Test whether your USB smart card reader is working correctly.
  2. Confirm the issue with the ID helpline. If the reader appears faulty, contact the ID helpline to confirm that the device is indeed broken.
  3. Check your warranty. Card readers that are given to you within the e-Residency Kit have a 1 year warranty. If the issue occurs within this period, contact the e-Residency support. be sure to include the confirmation from the ID helpline in your message.
  4. Replace your USB smart card reader If your reader is no longer under warranty or you need to replace the card reader quickly, you may purchase a new USB smart card reader. For guidance, review the list of tested smart card readers on the id.ee website.
Card reader is not able to find any card
Follow instructions at the ID.ee website.
Where can I get a new reader? 
You can buy a new card reader from electronics store or order one online. Review the list of tested smart card readers on the id.ee website to ensure the card reader you're buying would work with the Estonian ID cards. 

 

Digital ID alternatives

What alternatives do I have to access Estonian e-services without e-Residency digital ID card? 

Many e-residents choose to register a Smart-ID account for added convenience. With smart-ID you can access e-services and sign documents from your mobile. To set up a Smart-ID account, you will need your e-Residency digital ID card and the validity of you Smart-ID account will always match the validity of your e-Residency digital ID. 

While some Estonian e-services can be accessed with another EU eID, these cannot be used to digitally sign documents. To fully benefit from Estonia’s digital services, we recommend applying for an e-Residency digital ID card, which enables secure access and legally binding digital signatures. 

Does the validity of my e-Residency digital ID affect the validity of my Smart-ID account? 
Yes, if you have created a Smart-ID account using your e-Residency digital ID and your digital ID is no longer valid, your Smart-ID account will be closed. This is due to the agreement between Estonia and the provider of Smart-ID, SK ID Solutions AS, which states that a valid digital ID is a prerequisite for having a Smart-ID account. This agreement is based on § 2010 section 1 of the Estonian Identity Documents Act. If your e-Residency digital ID has expired or been revoked, then your Smart-ID account will be deleted as well. To create a new Smart-ID account, you must first apply for a new e-Residency digital ID.
Can I get an Estonian Mobile ID? 
No. Mobile ID can only be issued to Estonian citizens and residents who hold a valid residence permit or ID card. 

 

Revoking your e-Residency 

My e-Residency has expired and I don't want to renew it
If you don't have any outstanding obligations in Estonia - such as managing a company, accessing a banking account, or continuing services with business service providers - you don't need to take any further action. 
If you're unsure whether you have any ongoing obligations, please review our Responsibilities of e-residents article. 

Should you wish to regain access to Estonia's digital services in the future, you can reapply for e-Residency at any time. 
 
How can I terminate my e-Residency? 

If you no longer wish to remain as an e-resident, please follow these steps:

  1. Complete any pending matters. Before giving up e-Residency, make sure to finalise any activities that require you to log in to Estonian e-services or sign documents digitally.
  2. Request the revocation of your e-Residency status by writing a free-form letter to the Estonian police and Border Guard Board. Please include your full name, date of birth and contact details. Sign the letter digitally. If you don't have the possibility to sign the letter digitally, print it out, sign it by hand and scan it. Send your request by email to ppa@politsei.ee
  3. Suspend your digital ID certificates by calling +372 677 3377. You will need to provide your full name and Estonian personal identification code.
I lost my card, how can I close it? 

In case your e-Residency digital ID gets stolen, or permanently lost, immediately notify the ID help centre by phone at (+372) 677 3377 to suspend your certificates. The phone line is open 24/7.

ONLY suspend your certificates if you are positive they were stolen or lost as they cannot be reactivated remotely. It is not possible to reverse the process.

You will then need to reapply for the e-Residency digital ID card. Process is the same as when applying for the first time. 

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