Azerbaijan will start issuing new generation electronic identity cards starting from September 1.
 
A chip containing information on citizen’s registration of place of residence, marital status, as well as biometric photo and other private data will be placed in the new generation identity cards, which are more advanced from the point of view of security than the old ones.
 
Moreover, the National Certification Services Center of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies has ensured that the electronic signature certificates are integrated into the new identity cards.
 
One of the certificates is designed for identification of a person in the Internet environment. Another certificate gives the citizen the opportunity to sign documents electronically.
 
In accordance with the legislation, only one certificate will be placed in the identity cards of citizens aged 10-15 years for identification of a person. However, two certificates will be integrated in the identity cards of persons over the age of 15 both for identification and for signing documents. 
 
New identity cards will also provide citizens with access to the portal Electronic Government and enable them to use the services available there.
 
Besides, citizens can also use new identity cards for electronic commerce, as well as for receiving banking and health services.
 
The electronic signature certificates, which are integrated into new generation ID cards, are valid for 5 years. After the expiry of this period, the validity period of the electronic signature certificates may be extended for the next 5 years upon the request of the citizen. It should be noted that the new generation identity cards are issued for 10 years.
 
To use the identity cards for signing documents, you need to download and install necessary software to your computer and connect the electronic ID card to the computer with a card reader. You can download the software and read the instruction manual  on the website  at www.eid.az.
 
For all questions related to the use of the electronic signature certificates, you can contact the Call Center 157.
 
It must be noted that citizens can apply to all territorial police agencies and ASAN service centers for obtaining new generation identity cards.