Citizen Certificate on an ID card

All ID cards issued by the police in Finland are embedded with a chip, except for an ID card issued to a minor without the consent of the parent/guardian and temporary ID cards. An ID card embedded with a chip and issued by the police contains the Population Register Centre's Citizen Certificate, which can be used to identify reliably the person when using online services.

The electronic ID card is a safe network key for public- and private-sector online services that require identification. The certificate helps the service provider and the service user authenticate each other’s identity. The Citizen Certificate may also be used to encrypt and electronically sign documents and e-mails.

When applying for a card, you can also have your e-mail address included. This increases its usability with e-mail software.

To be able to make e-transactions, you need a card reader and card reader software. The software is included in the card price and you can download it from www.fineid.fi/en. The site also provides information you will need when getting a card reader and testing the certificates.

The ID card replaces a passport as a valid travel document both in the Nordic countries and in EU Member States, Liechtenstein, San Marino and Switzerland.

Chip ID card and Kela card combined

On 1 June 2004 the Finnish chip ID card and the national health insurance card (the Kela card) were combined, so you can now incorporate your health insurance information into the ID card issued by the police. Make sure you give the information when applying for your card. In the combined card the personal identity code required by pharmacies is printed as a barcode on the back of the card. The back of the card can also contain information about special reimbursements for medication, membership in an employee benefit fund, and the period of insurance of those insured for a fixed term. The ID card with health insurance information can be used instead of the current Kela card at pharmacies, medical clinics and other service providers.

The chip ID card is being developed to include municipal services such as library, travel, swimming pool and meal services.

Where can I get a chip ID card?

You can apply for a chip ID card at a police station. The ID card costs € 48 and is valid for five years.

If the card gets lost or stolen

If the chip ID card gets lost, please report it immediately to the Revocation Service. The Revocation Service operates all day every day:

When calling from inside Finland, Tel. 0800 162 622 (free of charge)
When calling from abroad, Tel. +358 800 162 622 (+ local operator's charge)
A text phone service is available for those with impaired hearing, Tel. 0100 2288 (free of charge).

HelpDesk

You can contact the Population Register Centre HelpDesk in issues related to the use the chip ID card and e-services on weekdays between 8 am and 10 pm:

The service number for instructions in Finnish and Swedish is 0600 9 6160 (local call charge / mobile charge)
A text phone service is available for those with impaired hearing, Tel. 0600 9 2288 (€ 0.25/call + € 0.67/min + local call charge)

Change of the PIN codes

The PIN codes of a chip ID card can be changed using the card reader software, which can be downloaded for instance at the web site www.fineid.fi/en. The PIN code should consist four to eight numbers.

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