it’s now easier to replace your lost pin codes

Hannah Brown • Jun 30, 2020 • 4 min read

You can now get replacement PIN codes from your nearest Estonian Embassy

Editor's note: article updated on 25 November 2021 to advise that from 1 January 2022 it is not possible to issue new pin codes to cards that were issued before 30 November 2018.

In order to securely access Estonia’s trusted and transparent e-services, all e-⁠residents have a unique digital identity. This includes the digital ID card with a unique personal identification code and two PIN numbers, which enable universal authentication.

Previously, if you lost your PIN codes, you would have had to either travel to Estonia to collect new ones or reapply for a new e-⁠Residency digital ID.

Now you can pick replacement PIN codes at your nearest Estonian Embassy. Read on to learn how.

Please note that from 1 January 2022 it is not possible to issue new pin codes to cards that were issued before 30 November 2018.

What are the PIN codes for?

When you picked up your e-⁠Residency kit, you would have received your digital ID card and a secured envelope containing your two PIN codes as well as a PUK code. Here is how you use the codes:

PIN1: This is for personal identification and authentication in the online environment. PIN1 allows you to securely log in and decrypt files. The personal identification process, like login, will always ask for PIN1. This confirms you are you.
PIN2: This is for digitally signing a document or issuing a payment. PIN2 confirms you agree to complete the action.
PUK: This number enables you to reset blocked PIN codes. See below for a link to instructions.

You can change the original PIN codes in your envelope here. For security, PIN1 and PIN2 should be different. If the two codes are very similar, it may be easy for someone to guess the other code if they gain access to one.

Help: I’ve lost my PIN codes!

It’s important not to give your PIN codes to other people and to keep them safe! Be sure to review our Knowledge Base article on digital ID safety.

But we know that things can go missing and numbers can be easily forgotten — we’re only human after all!

If you do lose your PIN codes, you cannot authenticate yourself online using your digital ID let alone digitally sign documents or confirm transactions. Therefore, you will need to replace them. Previously, you would have had to travel to Estonia to pick up new PIN codes or re-apply for a new e-⁠Residency digital ID.

But it’s now a little bit easier to pick up replacement PIN codes…

Now, you can pick up new PIN codes at your nearest Estonian Representation (i.e. Embassy). The first step is to contact the closest Estonian Representation by phone or email to notify that you have lost your PIN codes and need to order a new PIN code envelope. The Estonian Representation will provide you with further instructions about when and how to pick up the new PIN code envelope.

You can find the list of all the Estonian Representations here. The State Fee for new PIN codes is 20 EUR, which you can pay at the Estonian Representation when you pick up your new envelope.

As before, you can also renew the PIN codes and receive a new PIN code envelope at an Estonian Police and Border Guard Board office in Estonia*. Just stop by during office hours with your digital ID and another form of identification (like your passport), take a ticket, and wait your turn. The State Fee for new PIN codes in this case is 5 EUR.

*Before making any plans to visit Estonia and booking flights, please check the travel advice of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs as there are still restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

Help: my PIN codes are blocked!

You can unblock PIN1 or PIN2 by using your PUK code. Here are the instructions.

It is not possible to unblock a PUK code remotely. You will need to visit an Estonian Police and Border Guard Board office in Estonia or reapply for e-⁠Residency.

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