Henkilöllisyyskortteja

Henkilöllisyyskortteja, or identity cards, are official documents issued by the Finnish police that serve as proof of identity for Finnish citizens. These cards are voluntary and can be obtained by anyone over the age of 15 who has a valid Finnish personal identity code and a Finnish residential address. The primary purpose of a henkilöllisyyskortti is to confirm the holder's identity in various situations, such as interacting with authorities, opening bank accounts, or traveling within the Schengen Area.

The card contains essential personal information, including the holder's name, personal identity code, date of birth, nationality, and a photograph. It also includes the issuing authority and the date of issue and expiry. For enhanced security and to facilitate electronic transactions, the card is equipped with a chip that stores digital identification data, allowing for secure authentication online and in digital services. This chip technology makes the henkilöllisyyskortti a valuable tool for e-services and digital signatures.

Applying for a henkilöllisyyskortti involves visiting a police station and providing necessary documentation, including proof of identity and a photograph. The processing time can vary, but generally, the card is issued within a few weeks. The validity period for a henkilöllisyyskortti is typically five years for individuals under 30 years of age, and ten years for those 30 and older. Replacement cards are available if the original is lost, stolen, or damaged.