Registering for a Smart-ID account with an Estonian ID-card now uses an NFC connection on a smartphone, replacing the previous card reader–based registration option. This means that Smart-ID onboarding can be completed on a single NFC-enabled mobile device, without a computer, separate card reader or a browser plugin.​

The new registration method significantly enhances fraud protection, because both the mobile phone and the ID-card must be physically present in the same place during onboarding. As a result, it becomes much more difficult for fraudsters to create Smart-ID accounts through phone call scams, where victims are persuaded to enter their ID-card PIN codes.

With the new NFC-based onboarding, users complete the entire registration process directly on their smartphone, at any time and from any location, which is especially useful for people who do not have access to a computer or an external ID-card reader. Combining the user’s personal smartphone and ID-card in a single also flow reduces fraud and helps ensure that Smart-ID accounts are created only by the legitimate ID-card holder, making the process both more convenient and more secure.​

The new NFC option is available only for Estonian ID-cards and requires a smartphone with NFC support. The new 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, one can register Smart-ID using Mobile-ID or by visiting a bank office.

Existing Smart-ID users in Estonia, along with Estonian residents, e‑Residents and residence permit card holders who have an Estonian ID-card and an NFC-enabled smartphone, can use this method to create or renew their Smart-ID accounts.

They can also create a new Smart-ID account on a new device using biometric identification. An active Smart-ID account is not required, but users must have previously registered one and still have access to their original contact details (email or mobile phone number).

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