Latvian government widens grounds for issuing a new passport or ID card
The Latvian government on Tuesday backed changes that expand the cases in which residents can get a new identity document without waiting for the old one to expire. The changes also cover a remote electronic signature to be provided by LVRTC.
The Latvian government on Tuesday approved changes to the rules on when residents are issued a new identity document, meaning a passport or a personal ID card. Under the new grounds, a person can receive a replacement even if the previous document is still valid.
A new document will be available if:
- the person's appearance has changed;
- the passport has no space left for new entries;
- the validity of the previous document is shorter than the time needed for a trip;
- the person wants a document of a new design;
- the data of the previous document has been used unlawfully;
- the certificates included in the ID card have been revoked, suspended or have expired.
Remote electronic signature
The approved changes also provide that the electronic identification certificate in the ID card can be used to create an electronic signature remotely.
The device for remote creation of a qualified electronic signature will be provided by the state joint-stock company Latvian State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC). Under the solution, the user is identified and authorises the signing with the electronic identification certificate contained in the ID card, while the qualified signature itself is created remotely, in the device managed by LVRTC.
Choice for holders of a valid certificate
People whose ID card contains a valid qualified electronic signature certificate will be able to choose. They can sign a document with the certificate on the card or use the remote qualified electronic signature option.
