Henkilöllisyystodistus

Henkilöllisyystodistus, often translated as identity card or identification document, is a crucial document in Finland that serves to prove a person's identity. It is a plastic card issued by the Finnish police. The primary purpose of a henkilöllisyystodistus is to establish an individual's identity for various official and private transactions.

To be eligible for a Finnish henkilöllisyystodistus, an applicant must be a Finnish citizen or a registered resident in Finland. The application process typically involves providing proof of identity and nationality, and often requires a personal visit to a police station for identity verification and photo capture. The document contains essential personal information such as the holder's name, date of birth, personal identification number, and a photograph. It also includes security features to prevent forgery.

A henkilöllisyystodistus is widely accepted for numerous purposes. It is necessary for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, picking up registered mail, and accessing various public services. When traveling within the Schengen Area, a valid henkilöllisyystodistus can be used as a travel document instead of a passport for Finnish citizens. The validity period of a henkilöllisyystodistus varies depending on the age of the holder, with younger individuals receiving cards valid for a shorter duration than adults. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure their henkilöllisyystodistus is valid and to report it lost or stolen immediately to the police.