SwissID is free of charge for you as a user.

SwissID is valid for an unlimited period.

You can create a SwissID account in just a few minutes. To do this, you need access to your e-mail account and possibly also your mobile device. Once you have created an account you are logged in directly. You can then set up the other functions when you need them. The functions "Identification" and "Signature" are currently not available.

Your password must be between 9 and 64 characters long. You can use upper case and lower case letters as well as numbers and special characters.

Characteristics of a strong password: 

• The longer the password, the more secure it is.
• It should not contain your first name or last name and should also not include your e-mail address. 
• Do not use any familiar words, common passwords or dates.
• Avoid keyboard, number or letter sequences and repetitions. 
• Avoid replacing letters in a word with similar numbers or special characters (e.g. “P@@sw0rd”).

When you are setting your password we help you by showing the password strength. This display takes into consideration the aforementioned characteristics of a good password.

Password mnemonic:

A “password mnemonic” is a simple method for creating a good password. Simply memorise a sentence that you can use to remember your password at any time. In the following example, the password is formed from the first letter of each word. The punctuation marks are replaced by an exclamation mark.

Example “password mnemonic”: Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite!

Example “password”: Gn,st,dltbb!

The system can be expanded and amended as required.

In addition to a password, many online services require a second factor for the login. This increases security. Therefore we send you an SMS code to your mobile device every time you log in. 

If you do not approve the use of the required data, you will go back to the online service and can use this only with limitations. In your SwissID account you can see which data you have approved for use by which online service provider and you can withdraw approvals at any time. To do this, log into your SwissID account. Under "My online services" you can delete the data consent for every online service individually.

Log into your SwissID account. Under "Login settings" you can change your e-mail address at any time. During the change you will receive an e-mail with a confirmation code. Enter the code to confirm your new e-mail address. You will then use your new e-mail address for the login.

To ensure that you have made these changes, you will additionally receive a notification sent to your old e-mail address. If you made the changes yourself, you can ignore this e-mail.

If you are unaware of this change, it is possible that someone has had unauthorised access to your SwissID account. In this case, log in to your SwissID account by using the “Forgot password?” function. Then check all the information for your SwissID account. If you notice any unusual account activities, we recommend that you change the password for your SwissID account. 

If you no longer have access to your SwissID account, please contact our customer service by telephone on 0848 99 88 00. 

Log into your SwissID account. Under "Login settings" you can change your mobile phone number at any time. During the change you will receive an SMS with a confirmation code. Enter the code to confirm your new mobile phone number. You will then use your new mobile phone number for the login.

Log into your SwissID account. Under "Login settings" you can change your password at any time.

Log into your SwissID account. Under "Personal information" you can change your personal details at any time.

You can permanently delete your SwissID account at any time. How you go about deleting your account depends on whether or not you have a verified identity.

If you do not have a verified identity, please contact our customer service by email at support@swissid.ch. Please make sure that your email:

• is sent from the email address linked with your SwissID account;
• contains the first name linked with your SwissID account;
• contains the surname linked with your SwissID account.

If you have a verified identity, please fill out and sign the following form and return it to us (address on the form):

• Application to delete a SwissID account (PDF download)

To permanently delete a SwissID account on behalf of a deceased person, please fill out and sign the following form and return it to us (address on the form):

• Application to delete a SwissID account (PDF download)

Use the e-mail address you used to create your SwissID account. If you don't know it anymore, please contact our customer service by telephone on 0848 99 88 00. 

To reset your password, visit swissid.ch/recovery and follow the instructions.

Please contact our customer service by telephone on 0848 99 88 00. 

Check the following points:

• Have you registered your current e-mail address correctly?
• Check if the e-mail has gone to the spam folder of your e-mail program. If so, add the domain swissid.ch to the list of secure senders so that the e-mails are shown in your inbox in the future. 

If the problem continues, please contact our customer service by telephone on 0848 99 88 00. 

If you have entered your password incorrectly five times, your account will be temporarily blocked. Please try again after 15 minutes, reset your password or contact our customer service by telephone on 0848 99 88 00. 

The account recovery code is a code which you can use to regain access to your SwissID account. For example, if you forgot your password or if you lost your second factor.

You can generate an account recovery code by logging in to your SwissID account via swissid.ch.

Keeping your SwissID account secure is our key priority and regular renewal of your password is therefore important.

For the renewal and expiration of passwords, SwissID complies with the relevant security standards which define the maximum lifetime of a password.

Keeping your SwissID account secure is our key priority and regular renewal of your password is therefore important. Following up on our previous e-mails, in which we reminded you to renew your password, so far we did not register a renewal. Therefore, it has been blocked as a safety precaution.

For the renewal and expiration of passwords, SwissID complies with the relevant security standards which define the maximum lifetime of a password.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your SwissID account. Enable this feature to log in to online services with a second factor.

SwissID offers the following methods for two-factor authentication: 

• SwissID App
• Mobile ID
• SMS
• Cross-off list 

You can enable two-factor authentication for login with SwissID at any time in your SwissID account under "Login settings". 

If you always want to log in with a second factor for each online service, enable the function “Always two-factor authentication”. To do this, log in to your SwissID account and select the menu item “Login settings”. You can enable this option under “Additional features”.

Check the following points:

• Have you registered your current mobile phone number (not your landline number) correctly? Under "Login settings" you can change your mobile phone number at any time. 
• Have you had premium service SMS blocked with your provider? In this case please contact your provider and have the service unblocked.
• Check the signal strength of your mobile phone. If you are having reception problems, sometimes it helps to switch the phone off and on again.
• Alternatively you can use a cross-off list for logging in to your SwissID account. Here you can find out how it works. 

If the problem continues, please contact our customer service by telephone on 0848 99 88 00. 

The SwissID App is a mobile app that enables simple and secure two-factor authentication and an identity check via a mobile phone.

With the SwissID App, you can use two-factor authentication even if, for example, the SMS service is not available or is subject to a charge (provided your mobile phone is connected to WLAN or a mobile network).

You can find out more about the SwissID App at swisid.ch/app. 

If you have no access to your mobile phone or cannot receive any confirmation codes by SMS, you can log into your SwissID account alternatively with a backup code. To do this, use the unique combinations of numbers on your cross-off list. You can generate your personal cross-off list in your SwissID account under “Login settings”. 

If you do not have access either to your mobile phone or to your cross-off list, please contact our customer service by telephone on 0848 99 88 00. 

Important information for the use of the cross-off list:

• To use a cross-off list for logging into your SwissID account, first of all you have to activate the function “Second factor with cross-off list”. Here you will find out how this is done. 
• Print out your cross-off list and keep it in a secure place which you can access at any time. 
• Do not save your cross-off list in electronic form.
• Mark or cross off the code you have used after every successful login on the printout of your cross-off list.
• You can use each code only once. 
• Never pass on the codes on your cross-off list to third parties. 
• Never respond to e-mails asking you to disclose your code and never click on links contained there.

To use a cross-off list for logging into your SwissID account, first of all you have to activate this. Please proceed as follows here:

1. Log into your SwissID account and go to “Login settings”.
2. Click on “Activate” with the function “Cross-off list”.
3. Enter your mobile phone number and click on “Next”. You will receive a confirmation code by SMS. Enter this and click on “Confirm”. A cross-off list will then be generated. Print this out and keep the list in a secure location.

If an error message appears after entering the code, either the code was typed incorrectly or it has already been used. Please enter another code. After logging in, you can check which codes have already been used. To do this, select “Login settings” and click on the pencil icon. The used codes are indicated as “used”. If you have used up all the codes, generate a new cross-off list by clicking on “Generate new cross-off list”. 

Please note: We recommend crossing off the used code on the printout of your cross-off list after every successful login. 

If the problem persists or if you no longer have access to your SwissID account, please contact our customer service by telephone on 0848 99 88 00. 

The codes you have already used are indicated as “used” in your SwissID account. We recommend crossing off the used code on the printout of your cross-off list after every successful login.

We will inform you as soon as there are fewer than 5 codes available on your current cross-off list or all codes have been used up. Please pay attention to the information in your SwissID account after entering the codes. 

If you have used up all the codes, you can generate a new cross-off list. To do this, log in to your SwissID account. Under “Login settings” you can generate a new cross-off list by clicking on “Generate new cross-off list”. 

If you do not have access to your SwissID account, please contact our customer service by telephone on 0848 99 88 00. 

If you have lost the printout of your cross-off list, you can generate a new cross-off list at any time in your SwissID account under “Login settings”. This will make the old cross-off list invalid and a new one will be generated. 

If you do not have access to your SwissID account, please contact our customer service by telephone on 0848 99 88 00. 

With Mobile ID, you can log in using your mobile device on various online portals in a simple and secure manner. Mobile ID can be activated as a second factor as an alternative to SMS. A Mobile-ID-compatible SIM card can be obtained from your mobile provider.

Mobile ID is a secure authentication method that comprises two elements, namely the SIM card in your mobile phone and the Mobile ID PIN that only you know personally.

Mobile ID is available to you free of charge. Please note that some providers may charge a fee for the use of Mobile ID. Further information in this regard can be found at www.mobileid.ch.

As soon as you have a Mobile-ID-compatible SIM card, activate your Mobile ID at www.mobileid.ch and follow the instructions.

​​​​​To activate Mobile ID, log into your SwissID account and click on "Login settings". Under “Two-factor authentication” click on "Mobile ID" to activate it as a second factor. 

Currently, only the SIM based version of Mobile ID is supported.

Mobile ID is supported by most Swiss mobile providers. Further information on Mobile ID can be found at www.mobileid.ch.

Mobile ID only works with SIM cards of the latest generation. Mobile-ID-compatible SIM cards can be obtained from your mobile provider.

Mobile ID is supported by all common mobile devices and operating systems, including iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Microsoft Windows Phone and Symbian.

In this case, you must have your Mobile ID PIN reset by your mobile provider. You will then have to re-register your new Mobile ID for all applications. Further information in this regard can be found at www.mobileid.ch.

If you have changed your SIM card, you need to create a new Mobile ID PIN. Help in this regard can be found at www.mobileid.ch.

​​​​​​Yes, it is possible to use Mobile ID outside Switzerland provided you are connected to a mobile network and the receipt of SMS works.

A verified identity enables you to use SwissID for important online transactions that require electronic proof of identity. You have the following options for adding a verified identity to your SwissID account:
 

• Municipal/town administration*

Log in to your SwissID account. Under “My verified identity” select the menu item “Municipal/town administration” and create your personal application form. Print out the application form and sign it. Next, have a certified copy of your ID issued by a municipal or town administration. Then send the signed application form together with the certified copy of your ID to SwissSign Group AG. Your documents will be checked and your verified identity will be added to your SwissID account.

*Important: The identity check at a municipal/town administration is currently only offered as a pilot project in the Canton of Jura.

• SwissID App

With the SwissID App, you can identify yourself quickly, easily and securely via your mobile phone anytime, anywhere. You can find out more about the identity check with the SwissID App at: swissid.ch/app.

• Municipal/town administration

The costs depend on the scale of charges of your municipal or town administration.
 

• SwissID App

The identity check with the SwissID App is free of charge.

Based on legal requirements, we accept a valid passport or also a Swiss identity card for the identity check for many countries. Documents such as a residence permit for foreign nationals or a driving licence are not permitted. The respective ID has to contain the entire personal details and also the signature.
 

• Municipal/town administration

Passport and identity card: Switzerland

Only passport: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Spain, USA

• SwissID App

In addition to all passports, Swiss, German and Portuguese identity cards are accepted for the identity check with the SwissID App. Residence permits for foreign nationals and driving licences are not permitted.

Important: Irrespective of the country of issue, only identity documents with Latin letters can be checked.

Please note that the application form will be sent to the e-mail address you use to log into your SwissID account. If you do not receive an application form by e-mail, you can download it directly and print it out.

If the problem persists, please contact our customer service.

If you have a new identity document that is stored in your SwissID account, you must have your identity verified again. An identity check must be repeated in the following cases:
 

• Your name has changed (e.g. by marriage)
• Your identity document has expired

If you have a SuisseID with a USB stick or a chip card, you can transfer your verified identity to your SwissID account.

To do so, log into your SwissID account. Under "My verified identity", you will find the "Transfer identity from SuisseID" menu item. Click on this and follow the instructions.

​​​​This depends on the online service. If the online service supports SwissID, you can use the service with your SwissID account. Make sure that you have transferred your verified identity to your SwissID account.

• Your personal information and contact details (e.g. email address, telephone number) provided must be complete and faithful to reality.
• Your identity document (passport or ID card, depending on the country) presented at the identity verification office must be valid and signed, and must have been issued by an official body. The identity documents accepted for the identity check are listed here.
• The original application dossier (application form and copy of your identity document) must be signed and sent to the SwissSign Group as stated on the application form.

• For the identity check, you will need a certified copy of your valid identity document. You can arrange for this certified copy to be issued by an identity verification office (e.g. a city council or municipal administration) that has been authorised by the SwissSign Group.
• The application form, which can be found in your SwissID account, must be sent to the SwissSign Group along with the certified copy of your identity document as stated on the application form.
• The employees of SwissSign Group will review your application and add your verified identity to your SwissID account. For your identity to be verified, your SwissID account must be secured with two-factor identification (SMS, SwissID App).

• Identity check may only be carried out by trained employees who work in accordance with the most stringent security standards.
• The original application dossier (application form and copy of your identity document) must be sent to the SwissSign Group as stated on the application form.
• Your application can be unequivocally assigned to your SwissID account.
• Your documents are reviewed by trained employees (registration authority officers) and your personal information is added to your SwissID account.

Keeping the identity document linked with your SwissID account up to date is essential to continue benefitting from the full potential of your account. Providing SwissID with an up-to-date identity document is therefore important.

Keeping the identity document linked with your SwissID account up to date is essential to continue benefitting from the full potential of your account. Providing SwissID with an up-to-date identity document is therefore important.

How can I get a verified identity with SwissID?

Municipal/town administration*

Log in to your SwissID account. Under “My verified identity” select the menu item “Municipal/town administration” and create your personal application form. Print out the application form and sign it. Next, have a certified copy of your ID issued by a municipal or town administration. Then send the signed application form together with the certified copy of your ID to SwissSign Group AG. Your documents will be checked and your verified identity will be added to your SwissID account.

* Important: The identity check at a municipal/town administration is currently only offered as a pilot project in the Canton of Jura.

You retain control over your data at all times: you determine who may know what about you and when. In order to guarantee this, SwissID differentiates between different trust levels. They enable you yourself to decide which data you want to disclose to whom. You can also withdraw approvals at any time.

SwissSign protects your data according to the highest e-banking standards, does not pass it on to third parties without authorisation and keeps it in Switzerland. If you suspect that your SwissID account has been hacked, you can block it immediately. Contact our customer service by telephone on 0848 99 88 00.