If you have an Estonian ID card, you can now register or renew your Smart-ID account using an NFC-enabled smartphone. The previous registration method, which required a separate ID card reader, a computer, and a browser, has been replaced with a new NFC-based solution, so the entire process now takes place on your smartphone. This new method reduces the risk of fraud, and the previously used card reader–based registration has been discontinued.
The new registration method significantly improves fraud prevention, as both the mobile phone and the ID card must be physically present in the same place during registration. This is an important change, as scammers can no longer trick people into entering their ID card PIN codes during phone calls.
Using the new method is straightforward and fast: install or update the Smart-ID app, start registration and choose ID-card as your method. Then follow the on-screen instructions to tap your ID-card with your smartphone when prompted. The NFC option works with Estonian ID-cards that have an NFC chip, issued after August 2021, and requires a smartphone with NFC support. Older ID-cards or phones without NFC support cannot be used for this method. In these cases, you can register Smart-ID using Mobile-ID or by visiting a bank office.
Using the new method is simple and quick: install or update the Smart-ID app, start the registration process, and choose ID card as the method. Then follow the on-screen instructions and simply tap your ID card against your smartphone.
NFC registration works only with Estonian ID cards issued after August 2021 that have an NFC chip and requires an NFC-enabled smartphone. Older ID cards or phones without NFC cannot be used for this method. In such cases, you can register for Smart-ID by visiting a bank office.
The NFC option is available to Estonian residents, e-residents, and residence permit holders who have an NFC-enabled Estonian ID card and an NFC-enabled smartphone. Whether you are creating your first Smart-ID account or renewing an existing one, this is now the most convenient way to get started.
Existing Smart-ID users can still create a new Smart-ID account on a new device using biometric identification. For this, you do not need to have an active Smart-ID account or access to it at the moment, but you must have previously registered a Smart-ID account and still have access to your previously used contact details, such as your email address or mobile phone number.