Step 1: Applying for a DigiD
- A valid passport or identity card
- A citizen service number (BSN). Find out how to get a BSN if you don’t already have one
- A phone on which you can receive text messages
- An email address
After you’ve applied for your DigiD you’ll receive a collection code by text message and email. The collection code is valid for 30 days and you will need it for step 2.
Step 2: Activating your DigiD
Before you can use your DigiD, you must first activate it. You will need an activation code to do this. There are 3 ways to collect your activation code:
- The collection code that you received by text message and email after your applied for your DigiD. The collection code is made up of 9 digits and starts with a ‘B’. It is valid for 30 days. If your collection code has expired you will need to apply for a DigiD (step 1) again.
- Your DigiD username and password. If you’ve forgotten your DigiD username and/or password you will need to apply for a DigiD (step 1) again.
- A valid passport or identity card
- Your citizen service number (BSN), if it is not stated on your passport or ID card
- The phone you can be reached at using the number you gave when you applied for your DigiD (step 1). During your appointment you’ll receive a text message on this number containing your activation code.
During your appointment you’ll receive a text message containing your activation code. The activation code is made up of 9 digits and starts with an ‘A’.
You can use your activation code to activate your DigiD. Do this during your appointment if there’s time.
Once you have activated your DigiD you can log in using your username and password and the code sent to you by text message.
Activate the DigiD app too
Once you have completed step 2 you can activate the DigiD app. The DigiD app is the easiest way to log in securely. Instead of logging in with your username and password, you use a self-selected PIN. With the app it’s also easy to update your email address or phone number.
Find out how to activate the DigiD app in step 3.
Step 3: Activating the DigiD app
You must first download the DigiD app to your phone or tablet before you can activate it.
Open the DigiD app and follow the steps on the screen. The DigiD app automatically shows the ways you can activate it. Depending on your situation, you can do so using the ID check and/or a code sent by text message.
If you want to activate the DigiD app using the ID check you will need a Dutch identity document that meets certain requirements and a phone or tablet with an NFC reader.
Activating the DigiD app using ID check
After activating the DigiD app
If you activated the DigiD app using the ID check you’ll see a green check mark next to ‘ID check’ in the DigiD app menu.
You can now use the app to log in to all organisations that use DigiD login.
Logging in with DigiD using the DigiD app
Step 4: Activating your ID card’s login feature (not required)
There is no Dutch organisation that currently requires you to log in using your ID card. In the future, this login method will allow you to access extra sensitive personal data.
If you want to log in using your ID card you must first activate your ID card’s login feature. This is only possible if your Dutch ID card was issued on or after 13 March 2021.
If your phone number is already linked to your DigiD you can activate the DigiD app using a code sent to you by text message. A code will be sent to that number by text message. Use this code to activate your DigiD app.
Activating your DigiD app with a code sent to you by text message
After activating the DigiD app
After activating the DigiD app you can use it to log in to nearly all Dutch government organisations, including the Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) and the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).
Adding ID check (if possible)
If you have a Dutch identity document that meets the requirements, you can add the ID check to the DigiD app. Then, for example, you can log in to your healthcare provider to check your medical records.
Step 4: Activating your ID card’s login feature (not required)
At this time, there is not a single Dutch organisation that requires you to log in using your ID card. In the future, this login method will allow you to access extra sensitive personal data.
If you want to log in using your ID card you must first activate your ID card’s login feature. This is possible only with Dutch ID cards issued on or after 13 March 2021.