How DigiD works

If you have interacted with the Dutch government online, you will have encountered DigiD. DigiD is an identity verification app that more and more services are using to securely identify the user. DigiD also serves as a single-sign-on service to access sites from the government, your province and municipality (gemeente), most health insurances, medical centres and other services. You can log into a variety of websites using DigiD, providing an added layer of security so it’s clear that it is you who is logging in. Even though it’s not a requirement, almost everyone in the Netherlands with a burgerservicenummer (BSN) uses DigiD – and you should too! But how do you use this sign-on method?

Once you have registered at the municipality where you live, you will receive your BSN. With this you can register for DigiD. Simply visit the website www.digid. nl/en and apply for your digital identification. If the website is in Dutch, you can switch the language at the top-right corner of the website. Once you click to apply, you will be taken to a very simple three-step process to apply for your DigiD. Be sure to have your BSN handy, as you will need it along with your name, address and date of birth.

You also have the option to add a second authentication option: either using the DigiD app for each log-on, or a single-use SMS code text message. When you are applying for your DigiD you can indicate whether you want this second level of security. However, many websites require two-factor authentication, so it’s recommended to set this up immediately (but you can also do it later). Finally, you choose a username and password, then click submit to complete your application.

A few days later, you will receive a confirmation letter that will contain an activation code. You have twenty days to use the activation code; after that, you will need to request another code. Use this code to activate your DigiD by going back to the website and following the steps to activate. You can also use the DigiD app to activate your DigiD. Just download and open the app and follow the instructions. You will also have to select a PIN code used for logging in via the app. Congratulations! You now have your own DigiD! On websites that allow logins with your digital identity, you will see the DigiD logo. Sometimes you can log in with just your DigiD and password, but often you need a second method of authentication: an SMS message or through the DigiD app. With the text message method, enter your username and password; the website will text a code to your mobile phone, which you have to type in on the website to verifying that it is you.

To login with the app, open the DigiD app. The app will ask you if you need a code to login, then prompt you to enter the PIN code you selected during the activation process. On the website you want to log into, click “Met de DigiD app” and enter the code that appears on the app. A QR code will appear that you scan with the app on your phone, verifying that it is you. It’s that easy!

After logging into a few websites, you will discover how simple and easy it is! You can log in and use a whole host of websites and services with one app and one login. Even activating the DigiD app on a new phone is easy. You use your old phone to verify it’s you with your new phone. Just keep in mind that if you forget your username or login you will need to request a new one. For user security, there is no password recovery process with DigiD. This means waiting a few days for anew activation code, sent by letter. So don’t lose your login details!