Applying for an ID card for an adult

To apply for an ID card, please choose a suitable client service office and take an identity document with you.

If you wish, you can book an appointment for applying for an ID card at a client service office.

Browse client service offices.

Book an appointment at a client service office.

Standard ID card application procedure

When opting for the standard ID card application procedure, the card will be ready within a maximum of 30 after the application was accepted for processing.

Expedited ID card application procedure

When opting for the expedited ID card application procedure, the card will be ready in two business days. The ID card preparation period is calculated as of the next business day following the submission of the application.

While an expedited ID card application may be submitted at all client service offices, the card must be collected at a client service office located in Tallinn.

Providing fingerprints

Previously collected fingerprints are valid for 6 years. If you need to give your fingerprints again, you can do so in a speed capture kiosk at a service office.

Check the validity of your fingerprints.

You do not need to provide fingerprints again if you are over 70 years old and have previously provided fingerprints.

Authorization to collect an ID card

If you would like to authorize someone to collect your ID card for you, you need to decide this when submitting your application. When collecting the document, the authorized person must present their own valid Estonian identity document along with the applicant’s existing ID card.

Applying for an ID card for the first time

When applying for an ID card for the first time, you need to present proof of your Estonian citizenship.

You can prove your citizenship by providing one of the following documents when applying for a document for the first time:

• an identity document
• an original document stating that a parent or grandparent of the document applicant has Estonian citizenship. You will also have to provide proof that you are related to the person in question (e.g. a birth certificate). To provide this information, please submit a query to the National Archives regarding your parents’ or grandparents’ Estonian citizenship

Document photograph

You can send your document photograph in digital format by email to ....

Requirements and instructions regarding document photographs

Taking document photographs at client service offices

All client service offices (except for Keila) are equipped with photo booths where you can take a document photograph free of charge.

Document applicants using a wheelchair are advised to take their photograph at home with someone’s assistance or to go to a photo studio, as the photo booths lack the space to accommodate wheelchairs.

Paying the state fee at the client service office

You can pay the state fee at a client service office

• in cash
• by card
• using a client computer

You may not pay the state fee using an American Express card.

Marriage, divorce or name change abroad

If there is a change in personal data while you are abroad, you will have to present a document substantiating the change when applying for a document.

Document translation

If the document is not in Estonian, Russian or English, it must be translated and the translation must be made by a sworn translator or notarised.

Some foreign documents do not need to be legalised

If the country that issued the document is a party to the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, it does not need to be legalised. In this case, the public document must be certified by an apostille in accordance with the requirements.

Documents issued in these countries do not have to be legalised.

Information on legalisation of documents and apostils

For more information on legalization of documents and apostils, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Applying for an ID card for a ward

Only a ward’s guardian may submit an application for an ID card on behalf of the ward.

Please provide proof of guardianship at the client service office.

Applying for an ID card for an immobile person

If a person is permanently unable to submit their application in person at a client service office due to a medical condition, they are advised to apply for an ID card by post or email.

Where necessary, an authorized representative of the head of a rural municipality government, city government or social welfare institution may submit an ID card application on behalf of an immobile person.

If the application is submitted by an authorized representative of the head of a rural municipality government, city government or social welfare institution, the following must be additionally provided:

• a document certifying the applicant’s medical condition (e.g. a physician’s certificate)
• the applicant’s written consent to the authorized representative submitting their ID card application and collecting their document
• authorization by the head of a rural municipality government, city government or social welfare institution
• identity document of the authorized representative
• confirmation by a municipality government, city government or social welfare institution stating that the applicant is permanently unable to go to a client service office in person due to a medical condition
• a report on the verification of the applicant’s identity (prepared by the authorized representative)