Signing a PDF with your eID: card reader, eID Viewer and step-by-step guide

OSign a PDF document with your Belgian eID Card | OKSign

14 November 2026

Your Belgian electronic identity card (eID card) does more than let you log in to government services. You can also use it to sign documents.

Signing with your Belgian identity card generates a qualified electronic signature (in accordance with the European eIDAS Regulation), which has the same legal value as a handwritten signature.

In this article, you will learn what you need, how to test your setup and how to sign a PDF using an OK!Sign signing link received from your employer, supplier, customer or another party.

With OKSign, you can sign documents or have them signed using the Belgian eID card, itsme® eSign and Smart‑ID. These solutions embed the signatory’s X.509 certificate directly in the PDF document, automatically making the signature a qualified electronic signature under the European eIDAS Regulation.

What is on your eID card?

Your eID card contains a chip with two digital certificates:

an authentication certificate, which lets you log in online;
a signature certificate, which lets you sign documents.

If you are under 18 when you apply for your eID, it will only contain an authentication certificate. You can only activate the signature certificate once you turn 18. If you are 75 or older, your card is valid for 30 years, but the certificates must be renewed every ten years.

Tip: in some municipalities and cities, officials issue eID cards without a signature certificate. Always explicitly request an eID card with a signature certificate.

What do you need?

To digitally sign a document with your eID card, you need the following:

A recent PC or laptop with a USB(C) port.
Your eID card and your PIN.
A USB(C) card reader. Some laptops and keyboards have one built in. Otherwise, a simple USB card reader will do.
The eID software, available to download free of charge from the official website eid.belgium.be. You will also find the eID Viewerthere.

Tips:

When you applied for your electronic identity card (eID or Kids-ID), you received a letter containing a PIN (and a PUK code for older versions). You can change your PIN when you collect your card from your local municipal office.
If you have forgotten your PIN or your card is blocked after three incorrect attempts, you can have your PIN unblocked at your local municipal office.
Was your identity card issued in 2021 or earlier, and have you lost both your PIN and your PUK code? You will need to request new codes.

Testing your setup with the eID Viewer

First install the eID software, then the eID Viewer and check that your card reader is connected and that your card data can be read. Follow these steps:

Insert your eID card into the card reader.
Open the eID Viewer.
Your details and photo will appear. This confirms that the card can be read correctly.
In the Certificates tab, check that your signature certificate is listed and is still valid.

No details appearing? Check that the card reader is properly connected and that its driver is installed.

Signing a PDF with your eID in your browser

You have received an OK!Sign signing link from your employer, customer, supplier or another person, business or government body. Follow these steps:

Click the signing link received by email, WhatsApp, SMS or another method
Read the document and click Sign
A pop-up window will appear: agree to the contents of the document and click the eID icon
If this is your first time signing a document, you will be asked to install additional software.
Follow the instructions

You are now ready to sign the document with your eID card. Follow these steps:

Insert your eID into the card reader
A pop-up window will appear so you can select your card and certificate.
Then enter your PIN.
The document is signed.

Your document is now signed with a qualified electronic signature.

Making things easier for your signatories

Want customers or employees to sign a document? You would probably prefer to spare them software installations and configuration settings. With OK!Sign , it is much simpler:

the signatory receives a link and signs in their browser;
they choose how to sign: with eID, with itsme or with Smart-ID;
anyone without a card reader simply uses their smartphone.

This way, you always get a qualified electronic signature without the signatory having to struggle with Acrobat.

Frequently asked questions

Is a signature made with an eID legally valid?

Yes. The signature certificate on your eID produces a qualified electronic signature, which has the same legal value as a handwritten signature.

This signature is even legally valid throughout the European Union.

Which card reader should I buy?

Any card reader compatible with your computer and the Belgian eID will work. The card reader you use for online banking will usually also suffice.

Can I sign with my eID on my smartphone?

The process is cumbersome. On a smartphone, it is better to use itsme or Smart-ID. These also produce a qualified electronic signature.

Conclusion

With your eID, a card reader and the right software, you can sign a PDF with a legally valid signature. Test your setup with the eID Viewer first to help the signing process run smoothly.

If you need others to sign documents, make it easier for them with a platform that lets them choose between eID, itsme and Smart-ID.

Try it yourself now: Create an OK!Sign account with 7 FREE credits to try it out (no credit card required).