Where to find and how to retrieve your eID card PIN

The Importance of the Pin Code for Electronic Identity Cards

When receiving an Electronic Identity Card, one often overlooks the significance of the Pin code associated with the document, leading to difficulties in finding it when needed.
It’s crucial to highlight that for security purposes, the Pin and Puk are provided separately, requiring the safekeeping of two different documents.

The Pin code (and potentially the Puk) for the Electronic Identity Card is essential for full utilization of the document.
This specially designed card serves as an alternative to the digital identity Spid, granting access to various Public Administration websites.
From Inps to Agenzia delle Entrate, individuals in possession of the complete Pin code can access services even without Spid.

Understanding the Pin Code for Electronic Identity Cards

Oftentimes, the importance of such a code is underestimated and subsequently forgotten.
However, there’s no need to worry, as it’s always possible to recover the lost Pin for the Electronic Identity Card.

Let’s delve into a detailed guide explaining the actual purposes of Pin and Puk, along with the prerequisites for accessing security levels 1, 2, or 3.

Locating the Pin and Puk for the Electronic Identity Card

Upon receiving the Electronic Identity Card, citizens are provided with two 8-digit security codes: the Pin (Personal Identification Number) and the Puk (Personal Unblocking Number).
For security reasons and the access they provide to numerous citizen-related services, the Pin and Puk are delivered in two separate parts.

The first half of both the Pin and Puk, the initial 4 digits, are located on the final section of the printed receipt given by the municipal operator after the card issuance request.

The subsequent 4 digits for both codes can be found in a sealed accompanying letter to the Electronic Identity Card, emphasizing the necessity for citizens to consolidate and safeguard both codes for future use.

Functions of Pin and Puk for Electronic Identity Cards

Several online services, both governmental and private institutions, enable access to personal sections by entering the Electronic Identity Card number along with the corresponding Pin.
The 8-digit Pin code is crucial for authenticating access to digital services online.

After three unsuccessful attempts, the Pin becomes blocked, requiring the usage of the Puk for unblocking.
Through the Cie software or CieID app, the Pin can be unlocked with the Puk, also allowing the replacement of the Pin with another set of 8 digits.

Services Requiring Pin and Electronic Identity Card Numbers

One of the remarkable features of the Electronic Identity Card is its function as an access key for securely authenticating citizens on various online services provided by entities and public administrations, depending on the authentication level required.

With the Electronic Identity Card, the digital service can operate under three distinct authentication levels: level 1 (username and password), level 2 (credentials from level 1 and a temporary OTP code), and level 3 (requiring a contactless smart card reader or an Nfcc technology equipped smartphone for CIE reading).

Acquiring a contactless smart card reader or utilizing an Nfc-enabled smartphone enables citizens to conveniently access services online and even in other EU countries using the eIDAS Italian node.

While the access with Cie may be less convenient compared to Spid, individuals who possess the Cie and its codes eliminate the necessity for different credentials for each administration, simplifying access through a unified tool.