"ID card is mandatory for all Estonian residents, including Estonian citizens and resident aliens.
The functions of ID card are twofold. First, it is very convenient to use it as a regular ID anywhere you would need to use one, such as proving your age or identity when paying at a retailer using a bank card, or at a local government office.
The ID card also functions as an electronic identity, enabling you to use services online conveniently and securely. The card is not limited to specific services. Any organization, be it public or private, has the opportunity to 'ID enable' its service and thus start serving you online.
You can also use your ID card to give digital signatures. According to Estonian law, digital signatures are equivalent to handwritten ones if the systems used to give and process it meet certain regulations. You can give digital signatures using the DigiDoc system provided by AS Sertifitseerimiskeskus ."
