If you are an Estonian e-Resident and your e-Residency card is lost or stolen, it is important to take immediate action to protect your digital identity and access to services. The e-Residency card, also known as an ID card, is a key component of the e-Residency program and is used to access a range of services, including e-banking, e-tax, and digital signatures.
If your e-Residency card is lost or stolen, the first thing you should do is report the loss to the Estonian Police. This can be done online, through the Estonian Police website, or in person at a local police station. Reporting the loss will help to prevent unauthorized use of your digital identity and will protect you from potential fraud or identity theft.
Once you have reported the loss to the police, you will need to request a replacement e-Residency card. This can be done online, through the e-Residency website, or in person at an Estonian embassy or consulate. When requesting a replacement card, you will need to provide proof of identity and pay a fee for the replacement card.
It is also important to update your digital signature certificate, which is used to sign documents digitally. The digital signature certificate is tied to your e-Residency card and will become invalid if your card is lost or stolen. To update your digital signature certificate, you will need to contact an accredited certification service provider and request a new certificate. This will require you to provide proof of identity and pay a fee for the new certificate.
In addition to these steps, you should also take steps to protect your online accounts and digital services. This may include changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and monitoring your accounts for suspicious activity.
Overall, if your Estonian e-Residency card is lost or stolen, it is important to take immediate action to protect your digital identity and access to services. This includes reporting the loss to the police, requesting a replacement card, updating your digital signature certificate, and protecting your online accounts. By taking these steps, you can minimize the impact of a lost or stolen e-Residency card and continue to use the full range of services available to e-Residents.