Can I Order Latvian ID Card Online? Yes, and Here Is How to Do It Safely

Alright, so the other day I decided it was time to get my Latvian ID card sorted, and I figured I’d do it all online because, well, it’s 2023, right? Who wants to go stand in line somewhere?

First off, I had to make sure I was actually in the Register of Natural Persons. Sounds a bit official, doesn’t it? Basically, it’s just making sure the government knows you exist. Once I confirmed that, I got my Latvian personal identity number. Think of it like a social security number, but for Latvia. That was step one, check!

Next up, the actual application for the eID card. This is where things got a tiny bit more involved. I had to visit the official website of Latvia. Then I started to fill in the application form.

Then I realized that I had to schedule an appointment. They use an electronic pre-registration system, which is pretty convenient. You just pick a date and time that works for you. After filling in all my details and uploading a photo, I booked my slot. It felt like I was booking a table at a fancy restaurant, but instead of food, I was getting an ID card.

The Appointment Day

Finally, the day of the appointment rolled around. I made sure I had all the necessary documents printed out, just in case they needed them. I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous. Government stuff always feels a bit intimidating, you know?

I went to the appointment, and you know what? It was actually pretty smooth. They just checked my documents, took my fingerprints, and that was pretty much it. No long waits, no grumpy officials, nothing like that. I was in and out in less than an hour.

Now I’m just waiting for my eID card to arrive in the mail. They said it should take a couple of weeks. Honestly, the whole process was way easier than I expected. If you’re a Latvian national living abroad and need to get your ID card, I definitely recommend doing it online. Just make sure you follow all the steps and have your documents ready.

• Register in the Register of Natural Persons.
• Get your Latvian personal identity number.
• Fill out the online application.
• Schedule an appointment through the electronic system.
• Attend the appointment with your documents.
• Wait for your eID card to arrive.

That’s my experience with getting a Latvian ID card online. Hope this helps someone out there!