Using an eID card has become much more convenient

Institutions and organizations are increasingly introducing the use of secure identification tools on their portals and systems. The State Revenue Service has also announced changes to the conditions for connecting to the Electronic Declaration System (hereinafter – EDS). From January 1, 2026, it will only be possible to log in to the EDS using one of the secure electronic identification methods, including a personal ID card or eID card. The eID card with eSignature is available to 1.3 million residents, but it is used for identity verification relatively less often than, for example, eSignature mobile. This is because, until now, using an eID card required a card reader to connect the card to a computer.

In order to expand the use of eID cards, this spring, the Latvian State Radio and Television Center introduced a new functionality – document signing and e-identity verification with an eID card without a physical card reader, but using the eID Scan mobile app. This functionality is available on the eParaksts.lv portal, using it in a web browser on a computer or smartphone, as well as in the eParakstītājs 3.0 program and other websites where eID Scan is integrated, including EDS.

How to use an eID card without a card reader

The new functionality allows you to verify your e-identity or sign documents with your eID card if you have the card and its PIN codes but no card reader. The eID Scan app uses the NFC functionality of smartphones, providing a simple and secure solution for residents who have not been able to fully utilize the digital capabilities of eID cards because they have not purchased or do not want to use a card reader.

The eID Scan app was introduced last fall as a solution to enable fully remote eParaksts mobile contract signing in cases where an eID card is available but no card reader is available. Until now, residents in such cases used the option of receiving the contract by free courier, but given the growing interest among residents in obtaining eParaksts mobile, it was often necessary to wait up to three working days for the courier.  Now this process can be completed immediately – in a matter of minutes. Every month, more than 10,000 new users sign up for eParaksts mobile, and 75% of them choose to use their eID card and the eID Scan app to sign the contract. This confirms that the solution is both in demand and easy to use.

The app expands the possibilities for residents to use their eID card to its full potential – both for e-identity verification and for signing documents. The availability of digital solutions is particularly important given that more than 1.3 million residents currently have eSignature activated on their eID cards.

In recent years, the use of eID cards in everyday life has increased significantly, confirming the demand for convenient and secure digital tools. This year, eID cards have been used to sign documents an average of half a million times per month, which is 150,000 times more than a year ago.  Meanwhile, e-identity verification with smart cards has been performed more than 2.6 million times this year.

What is eID Scan?

eID Scan is a free mobile app that acts as a mobile eID card reader and allows you to use your eID card directly on your phone – without additional software or a card reader. It uses NFC technology to read the eID card chip, ensuring secure and convenient e-identity verification and document signing.

Where can I use eID Scan?

On the eParaksts.lv portal to verify your e-identity and sign documents.

In the eParakstītājs 3.0 program to sign documents and use eZīmogs+ in the cloud.

To sign an eParaksts mobile contract in a matter of minutes.

On customer portals and in information systems where eID Scan is integrated.

Why choose eID Scan?

No computer or card reader is required – all you need is a smartphone, an eID card, and the PIN codes issued together with the eID card by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

Secure and convenient e-identity verification and document signing on the eParaksts.lv portal and in the eParakstītājs 3.0 program.

How to start using eID Scan?

1. To register for eID Scan, you need:

A smartphone with NFC functionality. NFC is available in most smartphones today;

An eID card;

The eID card PIN codes that you received in an envelope together with your eID card from the OCMA

2. Download the eID Scan app, follow the instructions, and register! How to register for eID Scan?

Integration of eID Scan is available to service providers free of charge

LVRTC provides developers with eID Scan integration so that the use of eID cards without a card reader can be easily integrated into organizational portals and information systems. This allows companies and institutions to offer their customers a convenient and modern solution for identity verification and document signing with an eID card, without the need for a card reader or additional software. This functionality will provide significant benefits to organizations that want to provide a digital, secure, and user-friendly e-identity verification and signing experience in their services.

For customers who have implemented eSignature integration in their portals with a single button option to choose between different eSignature tools, eID Scan is already available automatically, without additional adjustments. However, those who have implemented separate integration for each eSignature tool will need to make additions to the integration to ensure eID Scan functionality.