Belgium phases out old eID signing certificates and adds free municipal ID photos

The Federal Public Service for Home Affairs will invalidate the signing certificates on Belgian electronic identity cards (eID) issued before 4 July 2016 on 21 May 2026, meaning those cards can no longer be used to sign documents. Cardholders are advised to check their certificate status via the eID‑viewer software and to obtain a new card before 1 May 2026 to ensure continuous signing capability.

Starting 12 August 2024, the municipal office in Retie will provide free digital passport‑style photos for new identity cards, travel documents, kids‑IDs and residence cards. The service, intended to reduce identity fraud, uploads the photos directly to the application along with fingerprints and a digital signature. Exceptions apply for children under three and certain document types.

Both measures are part of a broader modernization of Belgium’s eID infrastructure ahead of forthcoming European eIDAS 2.0 requirements.