DigiD

You can use your DigiD to prove who you when you arrange matters online that relate to the Dutch government, education, healthcare or your pension fund.  

What is a DigiD? 

DigiD stands for ‘digital identity’. You use your DigiD to prove who you are when you arrange something online. Sometimes you only need your username and password to log in, but there are a growing number of situations in which you need to log in with your phone. The easiest way to login securely is with the DigiD app. You can download this app from the official app stores.  

Applying for a DigiD with the DigiD app 

Anyone who has a Dutch citizen service number (BSN) can follow the procedure set out below to apply for a DigiD using the DigiD app: 

1. Download the DigiD app. 
2. Tap 'Next'. 
3. Tap 'Apply for DigiD '.  
   a. If you are registered with the municipality, follow the steps set out in the application form.  
   b. If you are registered at an RNI desk, select 'I live on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba or abroad' under ‘Postcode’ and follow the steps set out in the application form.  
4. This completes the application process for your DigiD.  
5. To activate your DigiD account, you need an activation code. This will be sent to you by post. 

Important! Do not forget your username and password. You will need them to activate your DigiD. 

Applying without the DigiD app 

You can also apply for a DigiD without using the app. The procedure depends on whether you are registered with a Dutch municipality or at an RNI desk, or in other words whether you are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) or in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI). Are you no longer sure which database you are registered in? That is not a problem. The application system automatically checks your BSN and directs you to the right procedure. 

Step-by-step guide: if you are registered with the municipality 

1. Go to www.digid.nl .
2. Click on "DigiD application form" and fill in the form. 
3. Choose a username and password. Make a note of them and keep them somewhere safe. 
4. You will receive a letter containing an activation code within three days. 
5. This letter will be sent to the address where you officially live (according to the BRP in the municipality). 
6. Use the activation code to activate your DigiD . 

Step-by-step guide: if you registered at an RNI desk 

1. Complete the online 'Application form for DigiD (Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba or abroad)' at www.digid.nl.   
2. Choose a username and password. Make a note of them and keep them somewhere safe. 
3. Once you have filled in the form, you will receive a service desk code in a text message or e-mail. 
4. You now have 30 days to make an appointment with a DigiD service desk or for a video call with NetherlandsWorldwide (if you are outside the Netherlands). 
5. Take your identity document and your service desk code with you when you go to the appointment. 
6. You will be given the code you need to activate your DigiD when you are at the service desk. 

Important! 

• Always make an appointment with the service desk before you apply for a DigiD. The service desk might be so busy that your service desk number expires before you see someone. 
• If you do not have a BSN, or you do not know what a BSN is, you can learn more on the page on the citizen service number.  

Applying directly at an RNI desk 

If you register at an RNI desk, some locations let you apply for your DigiD immediately after you register. You can do this in the building where you go to register. The following RNI desks allow this: 

• Breda 
• The Hague 
• Doetinchem 
• Heerlen 
• Nijmegen 
• Venlo 

The NetherlandsWorldwide website lists the addresses of these RNI desks. 

DigiD is free of charge 

You can apply for a DigiD free of charge. You never need to pay for a DigiD through a website or e-mail. If you receive a message asking you to pay, it is a scam (phishing). Only apply for your DigiD using the DigiD app or through the official website: www.digid.nl .

If you live in the Netherlands and the activation letter is sent to your home address, no costs are payable. 

If you are registered at an RNI desk, you can visit a DigiD desk to have your identity checked free of charge. You never need to pay to have your passport checked unless you go to an embassy outside the Netherlands.