Managing PIN codes

Two personal PIN numbers are set on the ID card during activation, i.e. when the card’s use is initiated. There are separate instructions for activation. This page contains instructions for cases where these personal PINs need to be changed or renewed for some reason. For example:

If you have forgotten your current PIN
If the PIN is locked, i.e. if you have entered an incorrect PIN five times in a row
or if you want to change your PIN for some other reason.

PIN lengths

You can select a PIN of your choice for yourself.

The basic PIN (PIN1) can be 4-12 digits long.
The signature PIN (PIN2) can be 6-12 digits long.

For security reasons, we recommend that the same number sequence is not used for both PIN1 and PIN2. Think up a new PIN in advance.

What do I need for renewing and changing my PIN?

To unlock a forgotten or locked PIN, you will need the card reader software, a card reader and either a PUK code or activation PIN:

If your ID card was issued on or after 13 January 2026, you will need a PUK code. You can check the date on the front of the ID card. The PUK code has to be ordered separately and is subject to a fee.
If your ID card was issued before 13 January 2026, you will need an activation PIN. You can find the activation PIN in the activation letter you have received.

If you still have your current PIN but want to change it to a new one, you do not need a PUK code or activation PIN.

Ordering a PUK code or new activation PIN

You can order a PUK code or, if necessary, a new activation PIN from the police station. If you are abroad, you can order the PUK code or a new activation PIN from the Finnish mission mentioned on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs website. The new PUK code or activation PIN is subject to a fee. You can see the price in the table for Police fees.

Instructions

If you have forgotten one or both of your personal PIN codes, you can create new ones yourself.

Instructions for the Atostek ID card reader software:

Select “Open PIN1 code with PUK code” or “Open PIN2 code with PUK code” from the software menu, depending on which of the PIN codes is forgotten.
Enter the activation PIN or the PUK code and then the new PIN twice.
Click OK.

Instructions for the DigiSign card reader software:

Insert the certificate card into the card reader and wait for the chip image on the taskbar to turn yellow. Click on the image of the chip to open the app window directly or right-click the icon and select "Show devices".
Click the Identification tab. Under Identification objects, select the PIN that you have forgotten, the one that needs to be replaced. The options are basic PIN (PIN1) or signature PIN (PIN2). It is important to select the correct PIN.
- If the workstation has more than one card reader and card, they will all appear as a single list. For example:
  Card reader 1 basic PIN
  Card Reader 1 signature PIN
  Card reader 2 basic PIN
  Card reader 2 signature PIN.
To create a new PIN, go to "Unlock PIN":
- Enter the activation code or the PUK code in the PUK/Activation code field.
- Enter a new PIN of your own choice in exactly the same way in both New PIN fields.
- Click the Unlock icon. The program will send a notification acknowledging that the PIN has been opened and changed
When you are finished, click Close to exit the program.

If you enter a PIN incorrectly five times in a row, the PIN will be locked. If your PIN becomes locked, you can create a new one.

Instructions for the Atostek ID card reader software:

If only one of the two PINs has become locked:

Select “Open PIN1 code with PUK code” or “Open PIN2 code with PUK code” from the software menu, depending on which of the PIN codes is locked.
Enter the activation PIN or the PUK code and then the new PIN twice.
Click OK.

If both PIN codes are locked, Atostek ID will automatically open a view in which you can set up new PINs.

Instructions for the DigiSign card reader software:

Insert the certificate card into the card reader and wait for the chip image on the taskbar to turn yellow. Click on the image of the chip to open the app window directly or right-click the icon and select "Show devices"..
Click the Identification tab. Under Identification objects, select the PIN that is locked, the one that needs to be replaced. The options are basic PIN (PIN1) or signature PIN (PIN2).
If you know which PIN locked, go to step 4. If you are unsure which PIN is locked, check as follows:
- Under Identification objects, select the basic PIN. Enter your basic PIN (PIN1) in the Check PIN field and click Check. If the PIN is locked, the message “PIN is locked!" will be displayed”
- You can also check your other PIN (PIN 2) in the same manner: Under Identification objects, select the signature PIN. Enter your signature PIN (PIN2) in the Check PIN field and click Check. If the PIN is locked, the message “PIN is locked!" will be displayed.
To create a new PIN, go to "Unlock PIN":
- Enter the activation code or the PUK code in the PUK/Activation code field.
- Enter a new PIN of your own choice in exactly the same way in both New PIN fields.
- Click the Unlock icon. The program will send a notification acknowledging that the PIN has been opened and changed.
When you are finished, click Close to exit the program.

The PINs on the certificate card can also be changed for some other reason. For example, a change is necessary if you suspect that your PIN has been revealed to another person. Only PINs for an activated card can be changed because a card that is not yet activated card does not have PINs.

To change the PIN, you will need the current PIN, a card reader and card reader software. You can come up with the new PIN codes yourself. Think up the numbers in advance.

Instructions for the Atostek ID card reader software:

1. Select “Open PIN1 code with PUK code” or “Open PIN2 code with PUK code” from the software menu, depending on which PIN you want to change.
2. A window will open asking you to enter the old PIN and the new PIN twice.
3. Click OK.

Instructions for the DigiSign card reader software:

Insert the certificate card into the card reader and wait for the chip image on the taskbar to turn yellow. Click on the image of the chip to open the app window directly or right-click the icon and select "Show devices".
Click the Identification tab. Under Identification objects, select the PIN you wish to change. The options are basic PIN or signature PIN.
You can change your PIN under Change PIN:
- Enter your current PIN in the Current PIN field.
- Enter a PIN of your own choice in exactly the same way in both New PIN fields.
Click "Change". You will be sent a notification on a successful PIN change.
When you are finished, click Close to exit the program.

Do the following to check your PIN:

Instructions for the Atostek ID card reader software:

Right-click the Atostek ID icon in the task bar. The icon is green when the card is in the reader.
Select "Diagnostics" from the program menu.
Select Test login to check the basic PIN (PIN) or Test sign to check the signature PIN (PIN2).
Enter the PIN concerned in the window that opens and click OK.
- Please note that if you enter the PIN incorrectly too many times here, it will be locked. In this case, you will need an activation PIN or a PUK code to open it.
- If you enter the PIN correctly, a confirmation of successful authentication is displayed.
- If you enter the PIN incorrectly, the notification ”Incorrect PIN code” is displayed. In addition, the number of remaining attempts is displayed.

Instructions for the DigiSign card reader software:

Insert the certificate card into the card reader and wait for the chip image on the taskbar to turn yellow. Click on the image of the chip to open the app window directly or right-click the icon and select "Show devices".
Click the Identification tab. Under Identification objects, select the PIN you wish to check. The options are basic PIN (PIN1) or signature PIN (PIN2).
Enter the PIN in the Check PIN field and click Check.
- If you enter the PIN correctly, the notification “PIN verification successful” is displayed.
- If you enter the PIN incorrectly, the notification “PIN verification failed” is displayed. In addition, the number of remaining attempts is displayed. Please note that if you enter the PIN incorrectly too many times, it will be locked. In this case, you will need an activation PIN or a PUK code to open it.
- If the PIN is locked, the notification “PIN is locked” will be displayed.