E-services for applying documents and certificates
I. E-service platforms where citizens can apply for documents and certificates:
1. State Portal eesti.ee (authentication via ID card, Mobile-ID, Smart-ID)
Provides a unified digital gateway that compiles and mediates official information and personalized e-services.
2. Police and Border Guard Board Self-Service Portal (authentication via ID card, Mobile-ID, Smart-ID)
• Application for a repeat passport and/or ID card for adults
• Application for a passport and/or ID card for minors (under 18)
• Document issuance: at a foreign mission or PPA service office
3. E-population register (authentication via ID card, Mobile-ID, Smart-ID, EU eID)
• Certificates of vital events in Estonia (birth, marriage, divorce, name change), certificate of capacity to marry
• Extract from the population register
Issuance:
• At the embassy, printing and delivery of documents applied for through the e-service (if the applicant has chosen the embassy as the pickup location)
• In Estonia, printing and mailing to the applicant abroad with prior arrangement and prepaid courier service
• Registration of residence
4. Apostille Register (authentication via ID card, Mobile-ID)
• E-apostille (not accepted in all countries), paper apostille
• Issuance: by agreement with a notary
• Note: If the applicant wants to apostille a document issued by a notary, it must be done by a different notary. It is recommended to choose notary offices located near each other. For example, several notary offices are located in Tornimäe Business Center in Tallinn (Tornimäe 5).
5. National Archives Virtual Reading Room (VAU)
• Data on acquisition or renunciation of Estonian citizenship (1918–1940)
• Certificates from the archive can be requested via the form on the website.
• Issuance: upon request, can be sent to the applicant by email (digitally signed) or by post
6. E-File system of Registries and Information Systems (authentication via ID card, Mobile-ID, Smart-ID, EU eID)
• Criminal record inquiries
Issuance:
The extract is only in Estonian and is sent to the applicant unsigned in a PDF file within a digitally signed container via email.
💡 This extract is only for personal information. If an official document is needed for a third party, an official criminal record certificate must be requested:
→ Submit a completed application to the criminal records office via email ([email protected]) or by mail to: Lubja 4, 19081 Tallinn.
→ Application forms and information: https://www.rik.ee/et/karistusregister
If desired, the certificate can be issued on paper and sent by mail.
The criminal record extract can be translated by a sworn translator if necessary.
7. Transport Administration E-service (authentication via ID card, Mobile-ID, Smart-ID, EU eID
• Driving license, registration certificate
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II. Government agencies citizens can contact directly for information, document requests, and applications:
Certificates issued on paper by Estonian authorities can be translated by a sworn translator in Estonia and apostilled by a notary, according to the requirements of the receiving country.
1. Police and Border Guard Board
Applications for identity documents, certificate of lack of citizenship, renunciation of citizenship, residence permit application
2. Tallinn Vital Statistics Department
Certificates and extracts from the population register, certificate of capacity to marry, name change, registration of residence
Proof of being alive
Driving license, registration certificate
Power of attorney, apostille, population register extract
💡 Notaries can issue population register extracts (not vital event certificates). If an apostilled extract is required abroad, it should be obtained directly from a notary. Notaries often collaborate with sworn translators—if the document also needs translation.