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e-Identity

All Estonians, no matter where they happen to live, have a state-issued digital identity. This electronic identity system, called eID, has existed over 20 years and is the cornerstone of the country’s e-state. e-ID and the ecosystem around it is part of any citizen’s daily transactions in the public and private sectors. People use their e-IDs to pay bills, vote online, sign contracts, shop, access their health information, and much more.

Estonians can use their e-ID via state-issued identity or ID-card, using Mobile-ID on their smartphones, or the application Smart-ID. Holders of a digital identity need not be Estonian residents anymore however. Since 2014, Estonia has also offered a program called e-Residency for anyone who wishes to become an e-resident of Estonia and access its diverse digital services, regardless of citizenship or location.

 

Mobile ID

Mobile-ID allows people to use a mobile phone as a form of secure digital ID. Like the ID-card, it can be used to access secure e-services and digitally sign documents, but has the added advantage of not requiring a card reader.

The system is based on a special mobile SIM card, which the customer must request from a mobile phone operator. Private keys are stored on the mobile SIM card along with a small application supporting the authentication and signature functions.

19%

Usage of Mobile ID

Here’s how it is used to log into a secure site, for instance a bank account:

  • The user clicks the “Log in with Mobile-ID” option on a supported website
  • The phone beeps and displays a screen indicating that a connection is being made
  • The user is prompted to enter a pin code into the phone
  • The screen on the phone disappears and the user gains access to the secure website
  • As smartphones have been widely adopted, Mobile-ID will become increasingly handy, allowing users to vote, for instance, via a phone’s web browser.

Developers of mobile-ID:

Contact

Visit us physically or virtually

We host impactful events both in our centre and online for government institutions, companies, and media. You’ll get an overview of e-Estonia’s best practices and build links to leading IT-service providers and state experts to support your digitalisation plans.

Questions? Have a chat with us.

Call us: +372 6273157 (business hours only)
E-mail:
Media:

Find us

The Briefing Centre is conveniently located just 2 minutes drive from the airport and 7 minutes drive from the city centre.

You will find us on a ground floor of Valukoja 8, central entrance behind the statue of Mr Ernst Julius Öpik. Photo of the central entrance.

Valukoja 8
11415 Tallinn, Estonia