More than 220,000 people in Estonia currently use Mobile-ID. The Mobile-ID service will remain available to users in the future. The purpose of this update is to ensure that the service complies with European Union requirements and remains available to people in the years to come.
‘For many people, Mobile-ID is an everyday tool for accessing e-services. We want all current users to be able to continue using the service in the future with the same convenience and security they enjoy today. Therefore, users should pay attention to notifications from their mobile network operator and complete the necessary steps as soon as possible,’ said Silvia Lips, expert of the Electronic Identity Department at the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA).
The Mobile-ID update is related to amendments to the eIDAS Regulation of the European Union, which entered into force in 2024. The update results from changes in the legal framework and aims to bring Mobile-ID into compliance with the updated requirements. For users, the principles of using Mobile-ID will remain unchanged. They will continue to be able to log in to e-services and provide digital signatures in the same way as before.
The ID card and Mobile-ID are state-backed electronic identity solutions. This means that they comply with EU requirements for electronic identification, authentication, and trust services, and enable the use of Estonian electronic identity in cross-border services. The objective of the government is to ensure that people continue to have access to at least two reliable state-backed electronic identity solutions in the future and to support the use of Mobile-ID in the coming years.
‘When using electronic services, it is advisable to have at least two electronic identity solutions available. This makes it possible to continue using e-services even if one solution requires updating or replacement, or is temporarily unavailable. The most widely used electronic identity solutions in Estonia are the ID card, Mobile-ID, and Smart-ID,’ Lips added.
All three are high-assurance electronic identity (eID) solutions that enable secure electronic identification and can be used to create qualified electronic signatures, which are legally equivalent to handwritten signatures.
Mobile-ID users will be notified by their mobile network operator if they need to replace their SIM card. Mobile network operators will publish detailed instructions on how to replace their SIM card and reactivate Mobile-ID through their official communication channels.
During the Mobile-ID update period, users should also be aware of an increased risk of scams, in which fraudsters may impersonate employees of mobile network operators or direct people to fake websites. Their aim is to trick people into revealing their PINs or approving transactions that they have not initiated themselves.
Your PIN1 and PIN2 should never be shared with anyone. Before entering your PIN, always make sure that you initiated the transaction yourself and verify exactly what action you are confirming. If you are unsure, consult the official website of your mobile network operator or contact their customer support.
Further information on Mobile-ID is available on the id.ee portal.
