eID verification in Latvia: Smart-ID, eParaksts and the rules

Last reviewed: 5 October 2026 · Not legal advice

The state's eParaksts tools confirm a person's identity 3.6 million times a month on average.^[2] Yet the eID with the most users is run by a company, not the state: Smart-ID, from SK ID Solutions in Estonia.^[1][5]

This guide covers each eID, the eID and anti-money laundering (AML) laws, the EUDI (European Digital Identity) Wallet dates and a launch checklist. For the basics of eID (electronic identification), read what eID verification is.

Every eID in Latvia at a glance: Smart-ID, eParaksts and the eID card

Latvia's Ministry of Defence lists two qualified electronic identification providers: Smart-ID, and the state-owned Latvian State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC), which offers four means: the eID card, the eParaksts card, the eParaksts card+ and eParaksts mobile.^[5]

The EU list gives one level for the whole scheme, not per means.^[3]

Mobile-ID, the SIM-based eID, is offered only in Estonia and Lithuania, not in Latvia.^[14] Bank logins no longer open the state portal Latvija.gov.lv: since 1 January 2025 it accepts only eParaksts mobile, the eID card, the eParaksts card, the qualified version of Smart-ID and other EU eIDs.^[15]

Smart-ID counter and LVRTC, October 2026.^[1][2]

Latvia's eID timeline and what changes in 2026 and 2027

LVRTC records the first secure electronic signature in Latvia on 4 October 2006.^[2]

1. 2012eID cardThe card ships with eParaksts built in.
2. 2017Smart-IDSmart-ID becomes Latvia's most used digital identity.
3. 2018eParaksts mobileLVRTC launches the app.
4. 18 December 2019NotifiedThe Latvian eID scheme joins the EU list.
5. 1 January 2025No bank loginsLatvija.gov.lv accepts qualified eIDs only.

Latvia's eID milestones to 2025.^{[2][4][3][15]}

1. 11 November 2025Browser codeeParaksts mobile asks for a 3-digit code on first use of a browser.
2. 22 September 2026NFC sign-upSmart-ID registration with the eID card moves to NFC.
3. 24 December 2026Wallet deadlineEvery Member State offers at least one EUDI Wallet.
4. 10 July 2027AMLR applieseID becomes a named route for identity checks.
5. 24 December 2027Acceptance dutyRegulated private services must accept the wallet.

Dates from LVRTC, SK and the EU texts.^{[9][16][17][18]}

The eID card is the compulsory identity document for Latvian citizens and non-citizens from age 15, and it becomes mandatory as a person's passport expires, with a longer transition until 2030 for pensioners, residents abroad and people in social care.^[19][20]

Under eIDAS 2, Regulation (EU) 2024/1183, private services required to use strong user authentication must accept the wallet at the user's request by 24 December 2027; micro and small enterprises are exempt.^[17] See the EUDI Wallet page for the relying-party side.

eParaksts, Smart-ID and the rules: eID law, AML and regulators

Three Latvian texts set the legal weight of an eID sign-in. The first is the Law on Electronic Identification of Natural Persons (version from 30 September 2026).

Article 3(3)Fizisko personu elektroniskās identifikācijas likums

"Elektroniskā identifikācija uzskatāma par notikušu un ir pielīdzināma fiziskās personas identitātes pārbaudei klātienē"

Source: Likumi.lv, Law on Electronic Identification of Natural Persons^[21]

In plain English: an eID sign-in equals an in-person identity check when it uses a qualified or qualified high-security eID means, or a written agreement (provider and service, or service and person) allows it.^[21][5]

The second is the AML law. It identifies a person by an identity document (Article 12), and a customer not met in person triggers enhanced due diligence unless identification uses technology the Cabinet of Ministers regulates:^[22]

Non-face-to-face ruleNoziedzīgi iegūtu līdzekļu legalizācijas un terorisma un proliferācijas finansēšanas novēršanas likums

"izmantojot tehnoloģiskos risinājumus, kas ietver videoidentifikāciju vai drošu elektronisko parakstu, vai citus tehnoloģiskos risinājumus, tiek veikta Ministru kabineta noteiktajā apjomā un kārtībā"

Source: Likumi.lv, AML law^[22]

The third is Cabinet Regulation No. 392 of 3 July 2018. Its point 7.1 accepts a secure electronic signature, a qualified high-security eID under the eID law, or means usable under Regulation (EU) No 910/2014. The other routes are video identification (points 7.2 and 10), a bank identification payment (point 7.3) and a document photo with a selfie (point 7.4).^[23]

From 10 July 2027 the EU Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR) adds an EU route: Article 22(6)(b) accepts eID means at the assurance levels 'substantial' or 'high'.^[18] The final draft standards of the EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), of 30 September 2026 and not yet law, accept eID "regardless of whether they are notified", if it meets the substantial or high level, and make document checks a justified alternative.^[24]

Regulators and age rules

The Ministry of Defence's Digital Security Supervisory Committee registers and supervises qualified eID providers; so far two: Smart-ID and LVRTC.^[5] The State Digital Development Agency (VDAA) runs the state single sign-on module, free for public bodies and companies with a public mandate.^[25] We found no published eID position from Latvia's financial, gambling or telecom regulators; the laws above bind.

We found no Latvia-specific age-verification rule. EU rules apply: the Digital Services Act (DSA) Article 28 guidelines expect age verification for high-risk products such as alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, drugs, gambling and pornographic content, and where terms require 18+.^[26] LVRTC's platform already offers an age-threshold check "neatklājot personas pilnu identitāti", without revealing the person's full identity.^[11] For the method trade-offs, see age verification.

What the user sees with Smart-ID

Classic Smart-ID works with a comparison code: the website shows a code, the app shows the same code with the service name, and the user confirms with PIN1.^[6][27]

Some services turn on a harder check: the app shows three codes and the user picks the one on screen.^[27] Smart-ID+ drops the personal code: the app scans a QR code on a computer, or opens app to app on a phone.^[6] It rolls out to users through 2026, for services that adopt it.^[28] eParaksts mobile differs: PIN1 or biometrics, and since 11 November 2025 a 3-digit browser code on first use.^[9]

Choosing eID schemes in Latvia by use case

eParaksts mobile matters where state tools are expected: LVRTC names Latvijas Loto, the telecom operator LMT and Latvenergo among its users.^[13]

Three routes, one workflow.

People without a Latvian eID: foreign residents, minors, cross-border customers

• Foreign residents: Smart-ID in Latvia is limited to people with a Latvian personal code.^[29] eParaksts mobile is open from age 14 with a passport or eID card, residence permits included, but not the foreigner's eID card.^[12]
• Minors: a child under 15 can get an eID card on a parent's application.^[30] Smart-ID registration with the card starts at 14, and accounts under 18 need parental authorisation.^[31]
• Older eID cards: cards with the Cosmo 8.1 chip, issued from 2 September 2019 to 30 January 2026, cannot register Smart-ID by NFC.^[16]
• Cross-border customers: Smart-ID is one app across the three Baltic states.^[1]

Under the AMLA drafts, record why a customer could not use an eID.^[24] See NFC chip verification and the Estonian and Lithuanian guides.

Launch checklist for eID verification in Latvia

• Accept Smart-ID first, as the eID with the most users in Latvia.
• Confirm with your supervisor how Regulation No. 392 point 7.1 applies to your route.
• Offer a document route with chip reading for foreign residents and visitors.
• Check the age on the signed date of birth for age-restricted products.
• Plan EUDI Wallet acceptance before 24 December 2027 if the duty applies to you.

How Didit helps with eID verification in Latvia

Smart-ID is live on Didit in Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Belgium. Turn it on in the console under Workflows, ID Verification, Countries, Wallets accepted, or with the workflows API. A sign-in returns the full name, date of birth, personal code, the asserted level of assurance (labelled High) and a signature check; no address, no portrait. See national eID and the documentation.^[7]

eParaksts mobile is on Didit's roadmap; Didit adds the eID card and the eParaksts cards on request. Users without Smart-ID fall back to documents with liveness, face match and chip reading. A full KYC check costs $0.33 and NFC verification $0.15; AML screening costs $0.20. Completed Smart-ID sign-ins cost $0.20 (pricing); cancelled, timed-out and failed ones are free. EUDI Wallet acceptance is coming soon on Didit.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Smart-ID (live user counter), SK ID Solutions, read 5 October 2026.
2. eParakstam Latvijā 20 gadi (20 years of eParaksts in Latvia), LVRTC, 5 October 2026.
3. Overview of pre-notified and notified eID schemes under eIDAS, European Commission, read 5 October 2026.
4. Smart-ID has acquired local qualified status for authentication in Latvia, SK ID Solutions, 29 May 2023.
5. Elektroniskā identifikācija (electronic identification), Ministry of Defence of Latvia, Digital Security Supervisory Committee.
6. How does the new Smart-ID protect me from fraud, Smart-ID help.
7. eID integrations, Didit documentation.
8. Price list, SK ID Solutions, valid from 1 June 2026.
9. LVRTC ievieš jaunu drošības funkciju eParaksts mobile lietotājiem, Diena, quoting LVRTC, 10 November 2025.
10. eParaksts identification consent screen, LVRTC.
11. e-Identitātes un parakstīšanas platforma (e-identity and signing platform), LVRTC.
12. Pie notāriem vairs nevarēs parakstīt eParaksts mobile līgumu, LVRTC, 25 September 2025.
13. Iedzīvotāji arvien biežāk izmanto eParaksta rīkus, LVRTC, early 2025.
14. Applying for and activating Mobile-ID, Information System Authority of Estonia (id.ee).
15. Atgādinām: no nākamā gada Latvija.gov.lv portālā mainīsies pieslēgšanās kārtība, State Digital Development Agency (VDAA).
16. Smart-ID account registration becomes even more convenient: create and renew your account using an eID card and NFC, Smart-ID, September 2026.
17. Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 (eIDAS 2), EUR-Lex, Official Journal of 30 April 2024.
18. Regulation (EU) 2024/1624 (AMLR), EUR-Lex, Official Journal of 19 June 2024.
19. Personu apliecinošu dokumentu likums (Personal Identification Documents Law), Likumi.lv, Article 9(1).
20. Personas apliecība (eID karte) kā obligāts personu apliecinošs dokuments un identifikācijas rīks, Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM).
21. Fizisko personu elektroniskās identifikācijas likums (Law on Electronic Identification of Natural Persons), Likumi.lv, version from 30 September 2026, Article 3(3).
22. Noziedzīgi iegūtu līdzekļu legalizācijas un terorisma un proliferācijas finansēšanas novēršanas likums (AML law), Likumi.lv.
23. Cabinet Regulation No. 392 of 3 July 2018 on remote customer identification, Likumi.lv, version from 14 June 2022, point 7.
24. Final Report, draft RTS under Article 28(1) AMLR, AMLA, 30 September 2026.
25. Vienotās pieteikšanās modulis (single sign-on module), State Digital Development Agency (VDAA).
26. Guidelines on measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security for minors online (C/2025/5519), EUR-Lex, Official Journal C of 10 October 2025.
27. Why do I sometimes see one confirmation code and sometimes three, Smart-ID help.
28. 2025: advancing digital trust beyond borders, SK ID Solutions, 19 January 2026.
29. Can foreigners and non-residents use Smart-ID, Smart-ID help.
30. Identity card (eID), Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP).
31. Age limitations for using Smart-ID, Smart-ID help.

Compare every national eID on the eID verification page, and see the full list of eID schemes by country.