BELGIAN ID CARD
As of 2020, more than 28 million Thales’ Belgian ID cards have been issued, making it a cornerstone of personal identification in the country. Launched in 2003 through the BelPIC (Belgian Personal Identity Card Project) program, the initiative reached 100% of its population targets by the end of 2011. The Belgian ID card, a polycarbonate credit card-sized document, is the official and mandatory identification for Belgian citizens over 12 years of age.
The New Belgian ID Card (2020)
In November 2018, Home Affairs Minister Pieter De Crem announced that fingerprints would be added to Belgian ID cards by October 2019 to enhance fraud prevention. This decision aligns with the EU’s April 2018 proposal to strengthen the security of identity cards across the Union. The updated model, featuring two fingerprints, was officially launched in early 2020 in a pilot program in Lokeren. Following successful trials in 25 cities, a national rollout was scheduled for March 2020.
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The Belgian Mobile ID Scheme
Belgium has also introduced an advanced mobile authentication solution to support its rapidly growing itsme® Mobile ID scheme. This app provides a seamless enrollment, login, and signature process for various online services. Certified for eIDAS (EU electronic ID standards), the app meets PSD2 (EU open banking regulation) and GDPR (EU privacy protection) requirements.
By May 2018, a year after its launch, the itsme® mobile ID scheme had attracted 350,000 users and was processing one million transactions per month. On average, users performed six banking transactions and three e-government transactions each month. Supported by four leading banks and three major telecom operators, the initiative aims to extend its reach to a significant portion of the Belgian population.
The Three Types of Belgian ID Cards
Standard Belgian ID Card: This electronic ID card includes two certificates—one for authentication and one for electronic signature. It contains key personal details such as the holder’s name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and a unique Belgian ID card number. The card, which costs around 25 Euros, is compulsory for citizens over 15 years of age and includes two fingerprints stored in the chip.
Residency Card: This card is issued to non-EU and non-Swiss residents in Belgium. It features a chip that allows access to the same online services as Belgian citizens. The residency card can be used for travel and other identification purposes.
Kids-eID: Designed for children under 12, this secure identity and travel document can be used for identification within Belgium and abroad. It also features an emergency alert system that parents can link to a list of contact numbers. The card costs around 10 Euros and does not include fingerprints.
A Keystone of the Belgian eGovernment
The Belgian ID card has become a vital component of the country’s eGovernment strategy, which aims to create a unified Public Administration while respecting user privacy. The card is widely used for secure online transactions, facilitating e-business and interactions between citizens and government authorities.
Over 800 eGov Applications Available
As of August 2016, over 800 public applications were available, with 72.4% of users authenticating with their national eID card. In 2016 alone, more than 30 million secure transactions were completed by 3.6 million users, with monthly authentication requests peaking at 4.2 million in June.
Cost Savings and Efficiency
Belgium is beginning to reap the benefits of its digital transformation. For instance, in 2015, 67% of all new companies were created online. The eID card has also streamlined processes like reporting crimes to the federal police, significantly reducing the time required compared to traditional methods.
Personal Identity Cards for New Services
Belgian citizens benefit from a single, trusted digital identity that provides access to a wide range of services. The Belgian eID system has been lauded for its pragmatism, cooperation among regions, and cost savings, making it a model for modern eGovernment initiatives. Find out the best ways to Buy California ID Cards and Buy Canadian ID Cards.
Cost Savings for Citizens and Businesses
The digital transition has resulted in substantial cost savings for both citizens and businesses. Major eGov applications like Tax-On-Web, Police-On-Web, eBirth, and MyRent have delivered measurable savings, monitored and reported annually on Belgium’s digital dashboard.
Belgium’s national eID scheme exemplifies how modern technology can improve government efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance citizen services.
