eID in Denmark

eID is the key to digital Denmark. Between 2012 and 2015, legislation made it mandatory for residents in Denmark to use digital self-service solutions.

The switch to digital-first was enabled by the rollout of Denmark’s second-generation national eID (NemID) in 2010. Here the Danish financial sector and public authorities worked closely together to issue almost all residents with a unique digital identity matched to their Danish civil registration number.

Today, more than 90 percent of the population uses their national eID in situations where it is essential to document ones identity electronically. With a personal eID, residents log on with the same user everywhere, utilising a smartphone, PC or other electronic devices when they need to access public and private sector self-service solutions – e.g. online banking, health authorities, and school. The only thing required is an internet connection.

Digital self-service

Use of eID enhances the scope for communication between residents and the public sector. Residents can use public services 24 hours a day. By establishing digital services and using digital signatures, the public sector can offer better services to residents and businesses while at the same time improving efficiency in the administration.

eID is e.g. used for logging into the National Digital Post system, which enables public authorities to communicate with residents and businesses.

The Agency for Digital Government leads several initiatives to cater to the non-digital population. For example, residents who are unable to use digital services for various reasons can easily be exempted from Digital Post.

Read more about Digital Post and exemption from Digital Post at lifeindenmark.dk