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Your security codes

Updated

To use your e-Residency digital ID card electronically, you need your security codes. These PIN and PUK codes are provided in a sealed envelope included with your e-Residency kit.

What are PIN codes?

PIN codes protect your electronic identity. They provide universal authentication - you do not need to remember multiple usernames or passwords to use Estonian e-services, just your PIN codes.

  • PIN1: The personal identification process, like login, will always ask for PIN1. To log in using your digital ID card, you must have physical possession of the card, a card reader and know your PIN1. This confirms you are you. You can also use PIN1 to encrypt documents. 
  • PIN2: To sign a document or issue a payment you will additionally need PIN2. This confirms you agree to complete the action.

Be sure to review our article on digital ID safety.

More PIN code questions

Can I share my digital ID and PIN codes?
No. Do not give your e-Residency digital ID card to other people.
If it is misused, you will be legally responsible for any agreements made on your behalf.
Can I change my PIN codes?
Yes, but you need the original PIN codes to do so.
You can change your PIN codes here.
For security, PIN1 and PIN2 should be different. If the two codes are very similar, it may be easy for someone to guess the other code if they gain access to one.
What to do if my PIN codes are blocked?
You can unblock PIN1 or PIN2 by using your PUK code. Here are the instructions
If you entered the PUK code incorrectly three times in a row, this will be locked too. It is not possible to unblock a PUK code remotely.
In order to continue using your digital ID card, you will need to order a new code envelope from the Police and Border Guard Board or from the foreign representation of the Republic of Estonia.
Lost PIN codes
If you have lost your PIN codes, you can order a new code envelope from the nearest foreign representation of the Republic of Estonian.
The first step is to contact the closest Estonian representation by phone or email to notify them that you have lost your PIN codes and need to order a new code envelope.
The Estonian representation will provide you with further instructions about when and how to pick up the new codes. You can find the list of all the Estonian representations here.
The state fee for a new code envelope is 20 EUR, which you can pay at the Estonian representation when you pick up the envelope with codes.

Alternatively, if you plan to visit Estonia, you can pickup a new code envelope at a service point of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. Just stop by during office hours with your digital ID and other identification document (for example, passport), take a ticket and wait for your turn.

In this case the state fee for a new code envelope is 5 EUR.

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