PostIdent: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to use PostIdent to verify your identity for digital government services in Switzerland.
PostIdent is a secure identity verification service that allows you to prove who you are through a formal process, making it possible to access various government portals and digital services online.
Who it's for
This service is designed for anyone who needs to complete a formal identity verification (Identitätsprüfung) to access restricted digital platforms. If you are trying to use an online service that requires you to prove your identity to ensure security and compliance, this is the method you will likely need to use.
What you get
The primary benefit of this service is a verified identity status. Once the process is complete, you gain the ability to use various government portals and other official digital platforms that require a high level of certainty regarding your identity. This digital verification removes the need to visit physical government offices for every single online transaction, as your identity is authenticated through the Swiss Post system.
What it costs you
Using this service requires a physical commitment of your time. You will need to visit a post office branch in person to complete the verification. When you go, you must have your official identification documents ready for the staff to inspect. While the brief does not specify a monetary fee, you should account for the time it takes to travel to a post office and wait for the verification process to be completed by the staff.
The catch to know
The most important detail to remember is that you cannot use a photocopy, a digital scan, or a picture of your identification on a phone. To successfully complete the verification, you must bring your physical passport or other official identity document with you to the post office. Without the physical document in your hands, the verification cannot proceed.
How to apply
- Determine which online service or government portal requires you to verify your identity.
- Locate your physical passport or official identity document.
- Find the nearest post office branch that offers these verification services.
- Visit the post office in person and present your physical documents to the staff to complete the process.