Personal certificates
Digital certificates issued to individuals for signing documents with a qualified electronic signature. Ideal for contracts, legal documents, and any situation where personal identity must be guaranteed.
What is a personal certificate?
A PKIoverheid personal certificate is a qualified digital certificate issued to an individual. It links your identity to a cryptographic key, allowing you to create qualified electronic signatures (QES) that carry the same legal weight as a handwritten signature under the eIDAS regulation.
Personal certificates are delivered on a smartcard or USB token (KPN) and can also be issued as a cloud-based certificate via Cleverbase. Cleverbase cloud certificates require no physical hardware. Sign securely from any device, ideal for remote and hybrid work. They are perfect for signing contracts, legal documents, government communications, and any situation where your personal identity must be guaranteed.
Delivery options
Smartcard or USB token
Your certificate is securely stored on a physical smartcard or USB token, delivered to your private address. The PIN code is sent separately to your business address.
Cleverbase cloud certificate
A qualified cloud-based certificate from Cleverbase that allows you to sign from any device. No physical hardware or USB token needed. Sign securely from your phone or laptop, ideal for remote and hybrid work.
How to apply
Preparation: registration
Your organisation must be registered as a subscriber of KPN's PKIoverheid service, or choose a Cleverbase cloud certificate for a streamlined process. Currently ValidSign/KPN does not charge for a subscriber registration.
Fill in the web form
Complete the application form for a PKIoverheid Personal Certificate including subscriber registration.
Sign and submit
Sign the application electronically with an existing certificate, or print and post the signed form to KPN with a copy of valid ID.
Personal identification
You must identify yourself in person. You will receive an email to schedule an appointment at a location and time of your choosing, free of charge anywhere in the Netherlands.
Production and issuance
After successful verification, KPN produces your certificate. You receive the smartcard or USB token at your private address, and the PIN code at your business address.
Renewal and replacement
Timely renewal of your certificate is necessary to continue using the capabilities that a PKIoverheid personal certificate offers. The renewal process is the same as an initial application.
Approximately two months before your certificate expires, you will receive an email reminder. If necessary, two additional reminder emails will follow.
Revocation
In some cases it is necessary to revoke a certificate before the end of its validity period. This may be required when your private key has been compromised, your personal details have changed, or you no longer need the certificate.
Installation
For the correct functioning of PKIoverheid personal certificates, software installation is required. You will receive information about this when the smartcard or USB token is issued.