What is Estonian Mobile-ID?
Estonian Mobile-ID is an electronic identification and electronic signature solution in Estonia that operates through a special SIM card issued by a mobile network operator.
Estonian Mobile-ID allows users to verify their identity when accessing electronic services, authorize transactions, and electronically sign documents using a mobile phone. Unlike an ID card, Mobile-ID does not require a card reader or other specialized hardware.
Mobile-ID is an officially recognized digital identification method in Estonia. The identification and signing certificates are linked to the user's SIM card.
Signature and identification level
Estonian Mobile-ID can be used for:
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electronic identification;
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qualified electronic signatures (QES).
Electronic signatures created using Estonian Mobile-ID meet the QES standard under the eIDAS Regulation. QES is the highest level of electronic signature under the EU framework and has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature within the European Union.
Users enter PIN1 to authenticate their identity and PIN2 to create an electronic signature.
Who can use Estonian Mobile-ID?
Estonian Mobile-ID is issued through Estonian mobile network operators, including Telia, Elisa, and Tele2. To obtain the service, users must enter into a Mobile-ID agreement with a participating operator and receive a SIM card that supports Mobile-ID.
The service is not limited to Estonian citizens. Foreign nationals may also obtain Mobile-ID if they have an eligible Estonian identity document that can be used to verify their identity. For foreign nationals residing in Estonia, this may include an Estonian residence permit card.
Accordingly, a Ukrainian citizen may be eligible to obtain Estonian Mobile-ID if they have a legal basis for residing in Estonia, hold the required Estonian identity document, and can enter into an agreement with a participating mobile operator.
Once Mobile-ID has been activated, it can be used outside Estonia as well. The service can be used abroad as long as the user has an internet connection and can send and receive SMS messages. When using Mobile-ID abroad, the mobile operator may charge roaming fees for SMS messages.
Key requirements and limitations
To obtain Estonian Mobile-ID, a user must generally:
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have an identity document that qualifies them to obtain Mobile-ID in Estonia;
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be a customer of a mobile operator that supports Mobile-ID, such as Telia, Elisa, or Tele2;
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enter into a Mobile-ID agreement with the mobile operator;
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have a SIM card that supports Mobile-ID; and
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have a mobile number associated with the user and their personal information.
Specific requirements may vary by mobile operator. For example, each operator may establish its own procedures for obtaining the service, age requirements, pricing, and list of required documents.
Mobile-ID is tied to the user's SIM card. If the existing SIM card does not support Mobile-ID, it must be replaced. Mobile-ID certificates also have a limited validity period. Once they expire, the user may need a new SIM card and may need to complete the Mobile-ID registration process again.
It is also important to note that the availability of Mobile-ID as an authentication or signing method depends on whether the third-party service or platform supports Mobile-ID.
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