Henkilöllisyyskortteihin

Henkilöllisyyskortteihin, or identity cards, are official documents issued in Finland to confirm a person's identity. These cards serve as a primary form of identification for various purposes, including accessing public services, conducting financial transactions, and proving one's age. Finnish identity cards are typically issued by the police.

The Finnish identity card is a plastic card with a chip, similar in size to a credit card. It contains essential personal information such as the holder's name, personal identification number, photograph, and signature. The card also includes security features to prevent forgery. For Finnish citizens, the identity card can also function as an electronic identification tool, enabling secure online authentication and digital signing of documents.

To obtain a personal identity card, an applicant must be a Finnish citizen and apply in person at a police station. The application process involves providing necessary documentation, having one's photograph taken, and submitting fingerprints. The identity card has a specific validity period, after which it must be renewed. Non-citizens residing in Finland may also be issued identity cards under certain conditions, which primarily serve as proof of identity and residence status. The use of identity cards ensures that individuals can be reliably identified in various societal interactions.