If you have not done so, visit our step-by-step welcome guide to get comfortable using your digital ID card.
Most often, you'll use your digital ID to log into e-services.
Your e-Residency digital ID card is an electronic personal identification used to securely identify yourself over the internet. Just like showing identification when completing a credit card transaction at a store, you show your digital ID for verification over the internet so companies are certain you are you.
Using your digital ID card
ID.EE is the national ID card technical support in Estonia. If starting to use the card online seems difficult or daunting, they are there to assist you through the process.
On their website, you can find how-to videos, support articles, step-by-step solution finders and the contacts of the support team.
For an example of the videos, check out how to create a digitally signed document on your computer!
Your digital identity
When granted e-Residency, you will also be issued a personal identification code. A personal identification code is a number with 11 digits containing your gender and birthday as part of the information and it is your unique name in Estonian e-services.
Your personal identification code will remain the same for the rest of your life, even if you will change your name or apply for a different document in Estonia.
Your personal identification code is public by design, meaning the information is only as sensitive as your name and birthday. Your personal code is intended for identification, not authorisation purposes.
The story, your personal code tells is:
The first number 1 - male born between 1800-1899
2 - female born between 1800-1899
3 - male born 1900-1999
4 - female born 1900 - 1999
5 - male born 2000 - 2099
6 - female born 2000 - 2099
Second and third number - last two numbers of your year of birth
Forth and fifth number - the month of birth
Sixth and seventh number - date of birth
eighth, ninth, tenth number - order number
eleventh number - control number
For example, if your personal code is 4891020xxxx you would be a female born in 1989 and your birthday is 20. October (4 89 10 20 xxxx).
Quick PIN code overview
When using your digital ID card, the same PIN codes apply to all e-services, they are universal. No more multiple usernames and passwords.
- 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.
- PIN2: For digital signatures, or to issue a payment, you will additionally need PIN2. This confirms you agree to complete the action.
Read more about your PIN codes here, and be sure to review our article on digital ID safety.
Practical tips
Check out ID card technical help instructions on different ways you can digitally sign or encrypt documents!
E-services commonly used by e-residents
Below is a list of the most commonly used Estonian government e-services. Visit our Marketplace for a collection of services that will enable you to make the most of your digital ID.
| State Portal | Log in to see and manage your personal information |
| Service Providers | Some service providers have integrated e-Residency digital ID log in on their websites |
| Company Registration Portal | Register your company online |
| e-Business Register | Manage your business information |
| e-Financials | Web-based public accounting software |
| e-Tax/e-Customs | Submit relevant documentation to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board |
| e-apostille | Use e-apostille when you need your company formation documents apostilled |
Digital signature issues
If you encounter issues using your digital signature, the most common reason is that your browser’s digital signing plugins need to be updated. Instructions to properly enable digital signing plugins in your browser can be found at ID card help centre.