Frequently asked questions about certificates

Contact the registration point where the card application was submitted and verify that the address you gave is correct. A responsible person at the registration point will order a new activation code via the Vartti system. A new activation code cannot be ordered directly from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

Please contact your organisation's local support service first and foremost. You can test the card for example in the following ways:

• If there is dirt on the surface of the microchip, wipe the chip with a clean cloth.
• Check whether the latest version of the card reader software has been installed.
• Try restarting the workstation.
• If possible, try using the card at a different workstation. Also try whether another card works at your workstation. If a well-functioning card does not work on the workstation, there may be a problem with the card reader, the card reader software, or the driver installation.
• Check whether you can check or change the PIN1, basic PIN. You can check or check your PIN code in the DigiSign Client card software’s Identification tab.
• Could the PIN be locked? Instructions for unlocking a locked PIN
• If the PIN is not locked but you cannot access the applications to which the card should give you access, check that the microchip works by logging into the certificate testing service. If login fails, it is likely that the chip is faulty.
• It may also be that the certificate in question has not been set as trusted on the workstation or in information systems.

If your card does not work or is faulty notify the registering official who will submit a complaint on the card.

Yes. If there are any changes to the information on the card surface or the information content of the certificate, you must order a new card. The certificate and the card surface must always have up-to-date data. To order a new card contact the organisation’s registration point.

Once a new card has arrived, you can destroy your old card by cutting it in half at the chip. If you need the certificates on the old card to process encrypted data, cut a piece off the corner of the card, but leave the chip intact. If the old card is still valid, the registration official must notify the revocation service of the card.

Act according to the instructions provided by your organisation. If you are unfamiliar with your organisation's instructions, report the lost card to the revocation service and contact your organisation's registration service.

An organisation card’s period of validity is five years. The card holder should order a new card at the latest one month before the card’s expiration date through the organisation's registration point.

Yes, a certificate applicant must have a valid ID card or passport.

If the applicant does not have a valid passport or ID card, identification can be carried out at a police permit service point. In this case, the police identify the person, produce a separate identification document, and send it directly to the registration point. Not all police departments produce separate identification documents, so you must check with the police department in advance to ensure this is possible. The separate identification document is subject to a fee and requires two passport photographs.

If you are ordering your first professional ID, place your order through a registration point. In general, you must book an appointment at the registration point either through the appointment service (available only in Finnish and Swedish) or by telephone. A list of the registration points.

A valid professional card can be used to order a new card from MyCard​​​​​​​ (in Finnish and Swedish). You can order a new card at the earliest three months before your current card expires. MyCard allows you to order a new card that is identical to your current card. You may not be able to renew the card through MyCard if there have been changes to the information content of the certificate. If you cannot renew the card through MyCard, contact your registration office.

For more information see the regulated social welfare and healthcare professional's ID card web page.

Yes. If there are any changes to the information on the card surface or the information content of the certificate, you must order a new card. The certificate and the card surface must always have up-to-date data.

The name of the organisation is not printed on a professional ID, so the professional ID does not need to be renewed if the name of the organisation changes.

Once a new card has arrived, you can destroy your old card by cutting it in half at the chip. If you need the certificates on the old card to process encrypted data, cut a piece off the corner of the card, but leave the chip intact. If the old card is still valid, the registration official must notify the revocation service of the card. There is no need to report expiring professional ID to the revocation service, if the card is in the possession of the holder. Once you have received a new professional ID, you can destroy the old card by cutting it in half if you wish.

Cards are valid for a period of 5 years. If the need for the card ends earlier, the card must be revoked. You should order a new card at least a month before your current card expires.

Private sector healthcare personnel can visit any public health care registration point. You can book an appointment through the appointment service (available only in Finnish and Swedish) or by calling a registration office on the contact list for registration points. The registration point may charge a fee for its services The amount of the fee may vary. For additional information on this fee, please contact the registration point.

If over two weeks have passed since you ordered the card:

• Check with the registration administrator that the order has been placed and verify the address to which the card and card PINs are to be sent.
• The person responsible for the registration point can send an enquiry on the delay in card delivery to the following e-mail address: varmennepalvelut(at)dvv.fi

If you have ordered a social welfare and healthcare sector professional ID and you still have a valid professional ID, you can order a new card from MyCard. If the previously ordered smart card arrives later, notify the revocation service of the extra card so it can be revoked.

Please contact your organisation's IT helpdesk or registration office for advice and guidance if necessary. The problem may be related to lacking access rights.

Yes, as a rule, a certificate applicant must have a valid ID card or passport.

If the applicant does not have a valid passport or ID card, identification can be carried out at a police permit service point. In this case, the police identify the person, produce a separate identification document, and send it directly to the registration point. Not all police departments produce separate identification documents, so you must check with the police department in advance to ensure this is possible. The separate identification document is subject to a fee and requires two passport photographs.

Contact a social and health care registration point. In the case of a professional ID card, you can contact any public health service registration authority. In matters related to smart cards for non-regulated and non-clinical staff, contact the registration point of your own organisation or an authorised registration point. A responsible person at the registration point will order a new activation code via the Vartti system. A new activation code cannot be ordered directly from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.