Activation of the Citizen Certificate

If you want to use your ID card for e-services, such as for managing your affairs in the authorities' e-services, activate your card by following the instructions on this page.

You can use the ID card to prove your identity in various service situations, also when using e-services. Using e-services is enabled by the citizen certificate contained in the chip on the electronic ID card.

• If you intend to use your electronic ID card for e-services, you must first activate it by creating two personal PIN codes.
• If you intend to use the electronic ID card only as a personal identification and travel document, you do not need to activate it.

 

Before activating your ID card

You will need an activation PIN, a computer, a chip card reader, and card reader software.

• You will receive your activation PIN by post within two weeks of receiving your card. The activation PIN is located at the bottom right corner of the letter. On ID cards issued on and after 13 January 2026, the activation PIN is seven digits long. The activation PIN on ID cards older than that is eight digits long.
• You can purchase a card reader from a store selling computer supplies. Card readers are often sold with the name smart card reader or ID card reader. You can check with the retailer if the card reader is compatible with your ID card. Some computers come with a card reader built in.
• Download the latest version of the card reader software from the Card Reader Software page. The software is free of charge.

Card reader software

How to activate your electronic ID card

During the activation, you will choose and set two PIN codes onto the card.

1. Choose the PIN codes beforehand, as you only have limited time to enter each number during activation.

• PIN1 is the basic PIN code and can be 4–12 digits long. You can use it to identify yourself when using e-services.
• PIN2 is the signature PIN code and can be 6–12 digits long. You can use it to give a digital signature.

2. Insert the electronic ID card into the card reader and follow the instructions on the screen to enter the PIN codes.
The card reader software automatically launches the card activation window when you insert the card into the card reader for the first time.

Enter the information required by the software:

• The activation PIN from the letter you received
• The basic PIN code (4–12 digits)
• Confirm the basic PIN code by entering it again
• The signature PIN code (6–12 digits)
• Confirm the signature PIN code by entering it again
• Click OK when you’re done.

3. The activation is complete and you can now use your ID card for e-services.

If the software does not open the activation window automatically, you can try the following:

• Check that the ID card is inserted into the card reader the right side up.
• Right-click the icon for the Atostek ID software and select “Activate card” from the menu.

 

Keep your PIN codes safe

Keep the PIN codes separate from the ID card. Do not show your PIN codes to anyone.

The instructions for the activation PIN are different depending on whether your ID card has been issued before or after 13 January 2026. The date will be printed on the surface of the card.

If your ID card was issued on or after 13 January 2026:

• The activation PIN is single-use, which means that you can only use it when activating the card. After activating the card, you will no longer need the activation PIN. If you enter the activation PIN incorrectly 5 times in a row and the activation PIN is locked, you can activate the card with a separately ordered PUK code.
• If you later forget or lock your PIN code, you can unlock it with a separately ordered PUK code. 
• The PUK code is subject to a fee and can be ordered from a police licence service point, or from the Finnish mission when abroad. 

If your ID card was issued before 13 January 2026:

• You may need your activation PIN later if you forget your PIN1 or PIN2 codes or your PIN1 or PIN2 codes are locked.
• If the activation PIN is lost, you can order a new one from the Police Licence Services point, or if you’re abroad, from a Finnish delegation. A new activation PIN is subject to a fee.
• If you enter an incorrect activation PIN five times in a row, your card will be permanently locked and cannot be used for e-services. You can still use your ID card as a personal identification and travel document.

 

Frequently asked questions

Terms and conditions

Identity Card and Citizen Certificate - Responsibilities and terms and conditions of use (pdf)