DigiD

What is DigiD?

DigiD (short for Digital Identification) is a form of digital identification that allows access to various government services in the Netherlands.

DigiD consists of a username and password linked to your BSN number. Although not mandatory, it is recommended for residents of the country to apply for a DigiD.

Why do you need a DigiD?

You will need your DigiD to carry out online procedures in the Netherlands. Among others, it is required for:

filing your income tax return
applying for benefits
managing your pension
submitting claims to the insurance company
renewing your driver’s license
picking up medication
and many other tasks.

You will need your DigiD for many procedures

How to apply for your DigiD?

You can apply for a DigiD for free on the DigiD website by clicking the “aanvragen” (apply) button. The application form is only available in Dutch. Here is a step-by-step guide with all the necessary translations and explanations.

1: Personal Information

On the first page, fill in your personal details:

Burgerservicenummer (your BSN number).
Geboortendatum (your date of birth).
Postcode (your postal code in the Netherlands).
Huisnummer (your house number).
Toevoeging (your house number addition, some addresses have a letter in addition to the number).
Click the “volgende” (next) button.

2: SMS Verification

You can make your DigiD more secure by receiving a text message verification (SMS controle) every time you use it.
This feature is optional, but some government services require SMS verification as an additional security measure. It also makes password recovery easier if you forget it.
Select “Ja” if you want SMS verification, or “Nee” if you don’t. We recommend choosing “Ja”.
Click the “Volgende” (next) button.

Visit the municipality’s website to request your number

3: Username and Password

On the third page, choose your username and password:

Gebruikersnaam (Username) – Case sensitive, no spaces.
Wachtwoord (Password) – Case sensitive, 8–32 characters, must include at least one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, one number, and one special character.
Herhaal wachtwoord (Repeat password).
Check the password recovery box (wachtwoordherstel) if you want to recover your password via email or SMS.
Mobiel nummer (Enter your mobile number).
e-mailadres (Enter your email address).
Gebruiksvoorwaarden (Accept the terms by checking the box).
Click the “volgende” (next) button.
Remember your username and password! If you forget them before activating your DigiD, you will need to reapply.

4: SMS Validation

Within a few minutes, you will receive an SMS code on your mobile phone.
Enter the code in the SMS code field.
Click the “volgende” (next) button.

5: Email Validation

You will now receive another code by email. Do not close the DigiD window while checking your email.
Enter the code you received in your email in the email code field.
Click the “volgende” (next) button.
Once you have completed the previous steps, your application is complete. You will receive the activation code at your home within five working days. You must activate your DigiD account within 20 days.

6: Activate Your DigiD

To activate your DigiD with the code received at your home, go to the DigiD activation website:

Click “activeren” (activate).
Gebruikersnaam (Enter your username).
Wachtwoord (Enter your password).
Activeringscode (Enter the activation code received at your home).
Transactiecode (Enter the code received by SMS, only if you requested SMS validation).
Click “Activeren” (activate).
Keep your DigiD in a safe place. With it, anyone can access your health, financial, and other private information.

More Information about DigiD

If you have problems, you can contact DigiD customer service:

By phone at 088 123 65 55 (8 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Friday).
By email via this link (provide your phone number, but never your username or password).

Things to Consider When Arriving in the Netherlands