Question 1

What is the e-ID?

Accepted Answer

The e-ID is the state-recognised identity credential in Switzerland. You can use the e-ID to prove your own identity - both in the analogue and in the digital world.

Question 2

Is the e-ID a login?

Accepted Answer

No. The e-ID is an identity credential, i.e. proof of identity. With AGOV, the federal government offers an authority login that can also be used by cantons and municipalities. The e-ID will be used as a particularly secure means of access to AGOV.

Question 3

What is a digital credential?

Accepted Answer

A digital credential is a file containing information on a person that has been confirmed by a state or private responsible authority. The information can thus be clearly checked to confirm that it is complete and accurate. The digital credential is stored in an app on your smartphone. In addition to storing the e-ID, this app can be used to store other important documents from public authorities (e.g. a certificate of residence), educational institutions (e.g. your university degree) and companies and associations (e.g. concert tickets or membership cards).

Question 4

Who is permitted to issue other digital credentials?

Accepted Answer

Only the federal government issues the e-ID. Other persons or organisations can issue other forms of digital credentials - just as they can issue credentials in the analogue world. A small fee is required to register as an issuer.

Question 5

How is the new law different from the e-ID Act that voters rejected in 2021?

Accepted Answer

The new state e-ID will be issued by the federal government. The draft law that was rejected in the referendum in 2021 provided that private companies would have issued the e-ID. With the new e-ID, data storage is decentralised, which improves data protection and data economy and guarantees users the greatest possible control over their data. In addition, an e-ID infrastructure will be established that can be used to issue other digital credentials.

Question 6

Do I really receive the e-ID from the federal government?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The federal government plays the central role in the new e-ID. It designs the trust infrastructure necessary for the e-ID's operation, develops it itself or buys parts of it on the market. The federal government operates the infrastructure and is the sole issuer of the e-ID.

Question 7

How do I get an e-ID?

Accepted Answer

The e-ID is not yet available. Two different issuing processes are planned: On-site and online. The issuing process for ordering an E-ID online is expected to be as follows: In a first step, you install the required app on your smartphone. In a second step, you take a photograph of your official ID (identity card, passport, foreign national ID card), make a video recording of your face and send your data to the state verification office via the app. If your data matches the data in the state identity document register, you will immediately receive the e-ID on your smartphone. The e-ID is then kept in your wallet app. The entire process should only take a few minutes. If you do not wish to be verified online, you can also do this at your passport office.

Question 8

When can I obtain an e-ID?

Accepted Answer

The earliest that the e-ID is expected to be introduced is the third quarter of 2026.

Question 9

What will an e-ID cost me?

Accepted Answer

The e-ID will be issued and be free of charge to holders.

Question 10

What do I get out of an e-ID?

Accepted Answer

You can identify yourself digitally using your e-ID. This is required for certain transactions on the internet, for example when ordering a criminal record extract. You can also use your e-ID in the analogue world, for example if you have to provide proof of your age at the checkout in the supermarket.

Question 11

Can I sign electronically with the e-ID?

Accepted Answer

No. Just as you cannot sign a document with an ID card, you cannot sign electronically with the e-ID either. However, it does allow you to obtain an electronic signature from a certified provider which you can use to sign documents legally.

Question 12

Do I have to obtain and use an e-ID?

Accepted Answer

No; in principle, there is no obligation to obtain or use an e-ID. However, if specific legislation states that an e-ID is required, then a public service could be made exclusively digital. Otherwise, all services must also be offered in analogue form.

Question 13

Is the Federal Council permitted to declare the use of the e-ID as mandatory by means of emergency legislation?

Accepted Answer

No, emergency legislation is an extraordinary instrument of the Federal Council. The Federal Council may only resort to its constitutional emergency law powers in absolutely exceptional situations, if safeguarding the interests of the country so requires or to counter serious disruptions to public order or internal or external security that have occurred or are imminent (Art. 184 para. 3 and Art. 185 para. 3 of the Federal Constitution). Emergency legislation is only used when the Federal Council is unable to fulfil its duty of protection towards the population by other means. Declaring the use of the e-ID to be binding would be disproportionate in terms of fundamental and human rights. It is not clear why exclusively digital identification should prove necessary in any given situation. It must remain possible to identify individuals without an e-ID.

Further information on emergency legislation: Federal Council report on the application of emergency legislation of 19 June 2024, BBl 2024 1784.

Question 14

How will I be supported as a user if I have questions about the E-ID?

Accepted Answer

The support organization is still being set up. The federal government will support you with a digital assistant and, if necessary, via personal telephone assistance.

Question 15

Is my e-ID secure?

Accepted Answer

There is no such thing as 100% security, either in the analogue or the digital world. The federal government does its utmost to protect your data wherever possible with all the currently available security measures. The e-ID has been developed and is operated according to the current state of the art and international standards. The source code for the various e-ID systems is publicly accessible and can be checked by anyone who is interested. The e-ID Act is formulated in a technology-neutral way and allows for the constant adaptation of the e-ID to keep it in line with technological developments.

Question 16

Can my e-ID be misused?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who wants to misuse your e-ID would have to get their hands on your smartphone and then be able to unlock both the phone and your app. This means that as the holder of your e-ID, you must ensure that no one gains unauthorised access to your smartphone and that the software on your smartphone is always up to date. If there is any uncertainty, you can have your e-ID blocked immediately at any time.

FAQ Digital identity e-ID