.beID

.beID is the Belgian electronic identity card, which can be used for authentication and signing.

Key features include:

It is one of the strongest ID methods in Europe.

It produces trusted identities verified by the Belgian government.

Signatures that use .beID are classified as Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES).

The card is issued by the Belgian government and is available for citizens over 12 years old. For children below 12, a version without the signing function is available (known as Kids-ID). There is also a version for foreign residents. The card is widely used in Belgium: In 2012, 99% of Belgian citizens over the age of 12 had the card, and in 2018 it was estimated that it was being actively used for online authentication by approximately 5 million unique users.

A USB smart card reader connected to a computer is necessary to use the card. End-users must also install the eaZyLink (opens new window)software to be able to use .beID. There are two PIN codes associated with the card, one for authentication and one for signing.