Citizen Certificate on an ID card
All ID cards issued by the police in Finland are embedded with a chip, except for an ID card issued to a minor without the consent of the parent/guardian and temporary ID cards. An ID card issued by the police contains the Population Register Centre's Citizen Certificate, which can be used to identify reliably the person when using online services.
The ID card is a safe network key for public- and private-sector online services (in Finnish) that require identification. Some of them are intended for all while others are targeted at special groups such as the unemployed, students or businesses. The certificate helps the service provider and the service user authenticate each other’s identity. The Citizen Certificate may also be used to encrypt and electronically sign documents and e-mails.
To be able to make e-transactions, you need a card reader and card reader software. The software is included in the card price and you can download it from http://www.fineid.fi/?site=10. The site also provides information you will need when testing the certificates.
The ID card replaces a passport as a valid travel document both in the Nordic countries and in EU Member States, Liechtenstein, San Marino and Switzerland.
ID card and Kela card combined
On 1 June 2004 the Finnish ID card and the national health insurance card (the Kela card) were combined, so you can now incorporate your health insurance information into the ID card issued by the police. Make sure you give the information when applying for your card. In the combined card the personal identity code required by pharmacies is printed as a barcode on the back of the card. The back of the card can also contain information about special reimbursements for medication, membership in an employee benefit fund, and the period of insurance of those insured for a fixed term. The ID card with health insurance information can be used instead of the current Kela card at pharmacies, medical clinics and other service providers.
Where can I get an ID card?
If the card gets lost or stolen
If the ID card gets lost, please report it immediately to the Revocation Service. The Revocation Service operates all day every day:
When calling from inside Finland, Tel. 0800 162 622 (free of charge)
When calling from abroad, Tel. +358 800 162 622 (+ local operator's charge)
HelpDesk
You can contact the Population Register Centre HelpDesk in issues related to the use of the ID card and e-services every day between 8 am and 10 pm:
The service number for instructions in Finnish and Swedish is 0600 9 6160 (local call charge / mobile charge)
A free Internet text phone service is available for those with impaired hearing: www.tekstipuhelu.fi
Change of the PIN codes
The PIN codes of an ID card can be changed using the card reader software, which can be downloaded for instance at the web site http://www.fineid.fi/?site=10. The PIN code should consist four to eight numbers.