eIDkaart

An eIDkaart, or electronic identity card, is a government-issued smart card that serves as an official identity document and provides a secure digital identity for electronic government services. It is designed to be used both as a physical identity credential and as a means to authenticate the holder online and to sign documents electronically.

The card contains a microprocessor chip that stores cryptographic certificates and private keys. These digital credentials enable two main functions: authentication to online public services and electronic signing of documents. Access to the private keys is protected by a personal identification number (PIN), and a personal unblocking key (PUK) can be used to recover access if the PIN is forgotten. The private keys never leave the chip, enhancing security and privacy.

Printed data on the card typically includes the holder’s name, date of birth, nationality, photograph, card number, issue and expiration dates, and a machine-readable zone. The card may also carry standard identity information that can be read by border or official authorities when required.

To use an eIDkaart for online services, the holder usually needs a card reader and compatible software or browser plugins. These tools allow secure login to e-government portals, tax and social security systems, and other public services, as well as the signing of legally binding documents with electronic signatures.

Legal status and scope vary by country, but such cards are generally recognized as valid identification within the issuing country and, in many cases, within the broader European Union for cross-border services. They are primarily intended for identification, authentication, and electronic signing rather than as travel documents.