What are the two PINs for?

PIN1 confirms identity and logs you into e-services; PIN2 places a legally valid electronic signature.

Can the e-dowod be used to travel?

Yes, it functions as an ICAO-standard travel document, in addition to its domestic eID and e-signature uses.

🇵🇱 Poland · National ID card

e-dowod

e-dowod (national ID card with electronic layer)

The e-dowod is the standard Polish national identity card carrying a contactless electronic chip, issued by default since March 2019. The chip enables secure login to government portals, legally valid electronic signatures, and serves as an ICAO-compliant travel document. It is a credential behind Poland's eIDAS-notified electronic identification.

What it does

Online authenticationQualified digital signaturesTravel / border controlCross-border interoperabilityBiometric authentication

Country:🇵🇱 Poland

Type:National ID card

Status:Live

Launched:2019

Issuer:Ministry of Digital Affairs; issued by municipal offices

Who can get it:Polish citizens

Format

Smart card

Identity attributes

Identity dataAuthentication certificateSignature certificateFingerprints (chip only)Signature image

Authentication methods

PINCAN (card access number)NFC smartphoneCard reader

Common use cases

Logging into public e-servicesLegally valid electronic signingIdentity confirmationUse as an ICAO travel document

Standards

eIDASICAO

Coverage

All Polish ID cards issued since March 2019 are e-dowod by default

Interoperability

eIDAS-notified for cross-border EU recognition; ICAO-compliant for international travel

Privacy and trust

Sensitive data including fingerprints is stored only in the chip and is readable solely with the physical CAN and correct PINs.

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://www.gov.pl/web/e-dowod

e-dowod: frequently asked questions

What are the two PINs for?: PIN1 confirms identity and logs you into e-services; PIN2 places a legally valid electronic signature.
Can the e-dowod be used to travel?: Yes, it functions as an ICAO-standard travel document, in addition to its domestic eID and e-signature uses.

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