What you must not forget when you receive your new electronic identity card. The role of PIN codes and what to do if you lose them

Almost 900,000 electronic ID cards have been issued to date. The new documents also bring a new responsibility to Romanians: memorizing the two PIN codes, one for authentication, consisting of four digits, and one for the electronic signature, consisting of six digits.

The new electronic ID cards bring more responsibilities. SOURCE: Freepik.com

The new electronic identity cards (ECIs) allow holders to log into computer systems and sign digital documents.

Access to these functions is achieved with the help of PIN codes, which the holders choose when they pick up the electronic bulletin, as part of the activation process.

Why the two “passwords” are needed

One of the “passwords” is the four-digit Current Use PIN used in normal operations when the document needs to be verified or used in compatible digital systems.

With this PIN, CEI holders can log in to a computer system. It is used more often, for routine actions, such as logging into an online platform, confirming the identity of the holder and his right to use the electronic identity card.

The e-ID also includes a certificate for advanced e-signature, provided free of charge.

For this, a less frequently used six-digit PIN is used, which attests to the clear and explicit intention to sign digital documents, not just to authenticate. The two codes are established on the spot, at the counter, through the MAI application.

The separation of the two PINs offers additional protection and complies with legal requirements, reports the General Directorate for the Records of Persons, on the website dedicated to the Electronic Identity Card. This separation prevents the accidental use of the electronic signature, guarantees that it is a deliberate and conscious act, and allows the use of the 6-digit PIN for the advanced or qualified signature.

How we choose PIN codes

The General Directorate for the Records of Persons also offers recommendations for the choice of PIN codes.

“You need to memorize the two PIN codes because you will be the only person who will know them! Before you go to the counter to pick up your CEI, you can think of certain words or construct sentences to help you remember the two PIN codes more easily. The phone screen can help you identify the numbers corresponding to the letters”shows the institution on the dedicated page.

An example is the use of the words “EYES”, with the equivalent of 6244 on the telephone keyboard, or “FOREHEAD”, with the equivalent of 378683. The representatives of the institution stated that these examples should not be used as real PINs, they only have an explanatory role.

“Do not use: combinations of numbers that are easy to guess (eg 1234, 0000 or 123456); dates of birth (eg year of birth – 1983, or month and year – 031983); combinations of digits written on the surface of the CEI; bank card PIN”, recommends the MAI website.

Romanians are also advised not to write the PIN codes on the surface of the CEI and not to keep them in the same place as the electronic document.

Enabling and disabling “passwords”

CEI activation can only be done at the counters of the competent authority, namely the Community Public Service for the Registration of Persons, under the guidance of an official. The process involves setting the 4-digit and 6-digit PIN.

“After verifying the correctness of the data entered on the CEI: enter the default PIN 1234; then enter the PIN of your choice, twice – once for definition and once for confirmation. The application will display the message “PIN changed successfully!”; repeat steps for default PIN 123456; the app will display: Card successfully activated!”send the representatives of the institution.

When the PIN code is entered incorrectly five times, the electronic ID card will be deactivated. Also, if the six-digit PIN is entered incorrectly five times, the function of signing digital documents will be disabled.

“For reactivation, you must go to any competent authority to issue CEI, where you will establish new PIN codes“, the institution also transmitted.