Is the Belgian eID mandatory?

Yes. It is the compulsory national identity card for Belgian citizens from age 12, and a comparable card exists for foreign residents.

Do I need itsme to use the eID?

No. The eID card works with a reader, while itsme is an alternative mobile method that can be activated using the eID or bank credentials.

🇧🇪 Belgium · National ID card

Belgian eID card

Belgian electronic identity card (eID)

The Belgian eID is a mandatory chip-based national identity card used for in-person ID, online authentication, and qualified electronic signatures. It is a cornerstone of Belgian e-government and is part of the country's eIDAS-notified high-assurance scheme.

What it does

Online authenticationIdentity verification / KYCQualified digital signaturesTravel / border controlCross-border interoperability

Country:🇧🇪 Belgium

Type:National ID card

Status:Live

Launched:2003

Issuer:Federal Public Service Home Affairs (Belgian Federal Authorities)

Who can get it:Belgian citizens (mandatory from age 12) and foreign residents

Format

Smart card

Identity attributes

Legal nameDate of birthNational register numberPhotoAddress

Authentication methods

PKI smart cardPIN

Common use cases

Government servicesBanking / KYCDigital signaturesTravel

Standards

eIDAS LoA HighX.509 PKI

Coverage

Issued to essentially the whole population as the mandatory national ID

Interoperability

Part of Belgium's eIDAS scheme (FAS/itsme), notified in 2019 at assurance level High

Privacy and trust

Online use requires a card reader and PIN, and signing keys remain on the card under the holder's control.

Identity verification providers

Independent identity verification vendors that support documents like this for KYC and onboarding. Exact document coverage varies by provider and region, so confirm support before relying on it.

Onfido Jumio Veriff Sumsub Persona AU10TIX IDnow Regula

Official source

https://eid.belgium.be/en

Belgian eID card: frequently asked questions

Is the Belgian eID mandatory?: Yes. It is the compulsory national identity card for Belgian citizens from age 12, and a comparable card exists for foreign residents.
Do I need itsme to use the eID?: No. The eID card works with a reader, while itsme is an alternative mobile method that can be activated using the eID or bank credentials.

Educational reference, not official guidance. Confirm current details with the issuing authority. all Belgium schemes · identity verification vendors