News

2010-01-12 Latvia’s government approves introduction of electronic ID cards

On January 12, 2010 the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia approved a concept of electronic ID cards developed by the Ministry of Regional Development; the concept suggests introduction of a new ID document in Latvia – the electronic identification card (eID).

The electronic ID cards that are to be introduced in Latvia will comply with the regulations of the European Union and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The eID cards will be used for receiving electronic services and will serve as an identification document in electronic communication with the state and local government institutions. The eIDs will also serve as a personal identification document for travelling within the European Union.

The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will be responsible for providing eID itself and its contents required to use e-signature. Certification Authority for eID will be chosen by public tender.

Non-customized eID cards will be issued by private partner who will be responsible also for maintaining the revocation list, time stamping and development of new services with eID.