Around 130,000 residents of Slovakia could lose the ability to use a qualified electronic signature, TASR reports.
The change affects holders of Slovak identity cards (občiansky preukaz) and foreign nationals’ residence documents (doklad o pobyte cudzinca) equipped with a CardOS v5.4 chip. These documents were issued between 21 June 2021 and 30 November 2022.
According to the government, around 130,000 residents of Slovakia have a qualified electronic signature certificate (KEP) installed on such documents. The certificate will automatically expire on 28 September 2026. Anyone who wants to continue using KEP will have to replace their document.
The documents themselves, however, will not become invalid after that date. They can still be used to access electronic government services where authentication with a personal security code (BOK) is sufficient.
What will change for electronic signatures
From 27 August 2026, documents with a CardOS v5.4 chip will be eligible for a certificate for the so-called recognised method of authentication (uznaný spôsob autorizácie). The ministry has already released a new version of the eID Client application that allows users to install the relevant certificate on their document.
However, this authentication method is not a full replacement for KEP. A qualified electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature. It is therefore required, for example, when submitting electronic applications for which the paper version would require a notarised or officially certified signature.
This applies, among other things, to:
- submitting official applications and documents to government authorities;
- signing documents through the eGovernment system when the law specifically requires a qualified electronic signature;
- digitally signing documents that would require a notarised or officially certified signature in paper form;
- in some cases, signing documents outside government electronic services if the other party accepts KEP.
Those who specifically need a qualified electronic signature will therefore have to obtain a new document.
Slovak citizens with identity cards issued between June 2021 and November 2022 can apply for a replacement at any police department that handles document issuance.
Foreign nationals with the relevant residence documents must contact their local foreign police department, after booking an appointment in advance.
