Your security codes

Your security codes are essential for using your e-Residency digital ID card. These codes - known as PIN1, PIN2, and PUK - are provided in a sealed envelope when you collect your e-Residency digital ID card as part of your e-Residency kit. They protect your electronic identity and serve as your personal keys to securely access Estonia’s digital services. It is not possible to use your e-Residency digital ID card without the codes.  

What each code does

• PIN 1 is for authentication in an online environment. You can securely log into e-services and decrypt files.
• PIN2 is for digital signing. A digital signature is equal to a handwritten signature. 
  • When receiving a new e-resident's digital ID card (issued from November 17, 2025), the PIN2 code must be changed in the DigiDoc4 application before the initial signing. 
• PUK enables changing or resetting blocked PIN codes via the ID software.

How to get new codes

If you still have the PUK code

You can unblock or reset PIN codes by using the DigiDoc4 application: 

1. Insert the card into the reader, open the DigiDoc4 application
2. Open My eID from the menu on the left
3. Unblock

If you have lost or blocked (after three failed attempts) your PUK code

First, check the date of issue on your card and follow the instructions based on that

Cards issued from 3 December 2018 to 14 November 2025	You can apply for a new set of codes in person by visiting: An Estonian Police and Border Guard Board service point, or The nearest Estonian embassy You need to book an appointment in advance by contacting the embassy nearest to you and bring your identity document with you.  The replacement fees are: €10 at a service office in Estonia €20 at an embassy (payable on the spot)
Cards issued from 17 November 2025.	If you have another eID (for example Smart-ID), you can view the PUK in the Police self-service by selecting the service “Viewing the ID-card PUK”. If you have blocked your PUK code (after three failed attempts) or you have lost your PUK code and do not have another eID to view it, you need to apply for a new e-resident digital ID from the Police and Border Guard Board.

How to keep your codes safe

Keep control of your codes

• Do not reveal or share your PIN codes. 
• Keep the codes in a secure location that others will not have access to and where you will not lose them. Never write them on your card or keep them together.
• Do not throw away your Security Code envelope. 
• Never provide PINs by phone or email. No Estonian authority or service provider will ask for them. 
• Remember your PIN codes. You can change your PIN codes, if they are difficult to remember.
• 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.

Be alert when entering PINs

• Only enter your PIN if you started the authentication or signing request. 
  • When entering the code without understanding why you're asked for it, you could give strangers access to your data. 

• Know which PIN you use: PIN1 - log in. PIN2 - sign or confirm actions. 
  • Fake sites created by scammers may ask for both; entering PIN2 can authorise unwanted payments.

• Never enter PIN2 on unknown sites or calls. 
  • It can be misused to create fake accounts or loans in your name.  

Avoid browser caching

• Web browsers can temporarily cache PIN1 code during an active browser session. Because of this, it may be possible to enter e-services without entering your PIN1 code.
• To stay safe: 
  • After using your e-Residency digital ID in an e-service, log out from the service using the exit, log out or close buttons.
  • Remove your e-Residency digital ID from the card reader.
  • Close all web browser windows after you have finished using an e-service.