eid.belgium.be : Electronic Identity Card

Name of the Organization : eID Belgium
Type of Facility : Electronic Identity Card
Country : Belgium

Website : http://eid.belgium.be/en/

Electronic Identity Card eID :

Secure access to online government applications, signing electronic contracts, requesting official documents or forms online… Your eID – short for electronic identity card – opens up a world of possibilities!

Related : Mobility & Transport Vehicle Registration Service : www.statusin.org/8419.html

The old, paper identity card was only suitable for physical identification. The eID’s built-in chip also makes electronic identification and electronic signature possible. The chip contains an authentication and signature certificate, both of which you can use in combination with your PIN code.

The authentication certificate is used to confirm your identity if you log on to a website with your eID. The signature certificate ensures that you can sign electronically.

What do you need ?:
A computer, software, a card reader, obviously your eID and the associated PIN code. This is all you need to take full advantage of the possibilities of your eID.

On the following pages you will find out:
** with which operating systems you can use your eID;
** what card readers are suitable;
** how to download and install the eID software;
** why your PIN code is important and how to get it.

Installing the eID software:
The way in which you have to install the eID software depends on your operating system. Windows and Mac users can click the QuickInstall logo. For Linux users there is a manual procedure, based on the steps in the manual or on the packaging of their card reader.

Windows, Mac and Linux:
Do you have your card reader, eID and PIN code to hand? Then you are ready to install the eID software. All you have to do is select your operating system and click the ‘eID QuickInstall’ icon. Then simply follow the on-screen instructions.

For Windows 8 users: important message. The eID-Quickinstall does NOT contain the drivers for your card reader. In case your Windows OS doesn’t recognize your card reader, it’s recommended to download the specific driver via the website of your card reader’s manufacturer.

Choose your operating system:
** Windows
** Mac
** Linux

Testing your installation:
Now that the eID software has been installed, you can check that there were no problems with the installation. Do you have your eID to hand? Then go to www.test.eid.belgium.be and follow the instructions.

If the test was successful, you can start using the eID applications.

Are you still getting an error message while using a particular application, even though your test at www.test.eid.belgium.be was successful? Then the problem is probably with the application you are using and not your installation. In that case, contact the application manager.

PUK code and PIN code:
The letter informing you that your eID is ready and inviting you to retrieve it contains a PUK code and a PIN code.

The PUK or “Personal Unblocking Key” code is required to activate your eID. You should automatically receive this code.

However, you will only be provided with the PIN or “Personal Identification Number” code if you wish to use the electronic signature.

This is an optional function: if you would like to use this option, you must inform the council staff for your commune at the time that you request an identity card. It is possible to change your PIN code. Avoid using numbers that can be easily guessed, such as your year of birth.

Once you have received your codes, please provide them to the citizens’ services department of your commune council. The council staff for your commune will activate the microchip in your identity card.

Should you lose or forget your PIN code and PUK code, you can request a reissue of the codes via the Home Affairs FPS website. You can also obtain replacement codes from your commune council; however, when you make your request, there must be no procedures in progress concerning a change of address or request for a new eID card.

If a change of address is in progress, the PIN code and PUK code may only be reissued on completion of final registration with the new commune council. In the case of a new identity card, the new PIN code and PUK code will be sent automatically to your address.

Need help?:
Are you having a problem with installation? We have listed the most common problems under Problems with installation, together with the solutions.

If you still have a question, then first take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions (FR).

What if the problem or question is not mentioned there, or you cannot find a solution to your problem? Then complete the contact form to contact the Fedict Service Desk.