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FAQ: verifying your identity

How can I have my identity verified?

Simple 24/7 online identity verification is possible. You will need a mobile phone and a valid ID. Log in to here and start the process.

If you do not want to have your identity verified online or are unable to do so, your identity can also be verified in person You can find all locations at swissid.ch/locations.

Which identity documents are accepted for online identification?

Which identity documents are accepted depends on the type and purpose of identification. You can find an overview here.

When and why do I need to renew my identity document?

To ensure that you can use the full potential of your SwissID account at all times, you need to have an up-to-date identity document on file. You will need to have your identity verified again in the following cases:

  • Your name has changed, e.g. due to marriage

  • Your identity document has expired

What are the technical requirements for online identification via App?

  • For Android: Android Version 10 or later, 4 GB of RAM, four processor cores and a 16 MP camera (360 MB of RAM must be available while using the app)

  • For iPhone: iOS 15 or later

Furthermore, for online identification for using an electronic signature (according to ESigA), the app version 4.1.5 or higher must be installed.

What are the technical requirements for online identification via web?

  • For Android: Android version 8 or later

  • For iPhone: iOS 16.4 or later

  • For browsers: all modern browsers based on Chromium 100 or higher are supported. These include Chrome, Safari, Opera and Edge. Firefox is not currently supported because this browser is based on different technology.

Please note that the process can be more difficult if your mobile phone only has a limited amount of working memory (RAM) or the camera resolution is low.

What happens to the information requested during online identification?

SwissSign is legally obliged to store certain information for a certain period of time. The retention periods are based on the law, for example the ESigA (German: ZertES) and the Ordinance on the ESigA. According to VZertES, SwissSign is obliged, among other things, to retain the information for eleven years from the expiry of the certificates. Once the statutory retention periods have expired, the data is deleted.

Why was my identification rejected?

Due to the strict requirements of the identity verification, there is a chance that yours may be rejected. You can simply repeat the process or do it in person instead (swissid.ch/locations).

What documents do I need to bring with me for the identification process?

  • Correctly filled-out application form

  • Valid identity document (passport or ID card)

  • Mobile phone with the same number as in the application form

  • For the electronic patient record: a valid residence permit

I have not received the application form for in-person identification. What should I do?

The application form is sent to the email address you use to log in to your SwissID account. If you have not received the application form by email, you can download it from your SwissID account and print it out.