ID card since 1998

To realise real savings from the implementation of e-services, both in terms of time and money, a national ID card project was initiated in Estonia in 1998.

A smartcard was introduced, the functions of which are twofold: it can be used for personal identification purposes and for giving digital signatures. Unlike in some other countries, Estonia proceeded in the development of its ID card from the principle that the ID card itself would not contain any other data than that necessary for the identification of a person while all other information would be stored in different information systems.

One of the most recent ID card based services launched in Estonia is the e-ticket for public transport. This is an electronic ticket the validity of which is verified with the ID card from information systems eliminating, thus, the need for a paper ticket. In addition, preparations are underway for the use of ID card as means for checking the existence of health insurance and the right to drive a vehicle.

The concept of the ID card as well as the software (DigiDoc) necessary for giving the digital signature have been developed by Estonian specialists. For more information see: http://www.id.ee