In contrast with the current 'Personal Identification Documents Law' ('Personu apliecinošu dokumentu likums', in Latvian), the new draft law specifies the eID card types.

The bill states that identity cards will be available to: Latvian citizens and non-citizens, nationals of another European Union country, the European Economic Area or Swiss residing in Latvia; third-country nationals; Foreign Ministry-accredited foreign diplomatic and consular missions; representatives of international organisation; and consular institutions staff and their family members.

For a third-country national the identity card will be also a residence permit issued in accordance with European Union legislation. Currently, foreigners are granted a residence permit sticker in their passport.

The identity card is also able to hold information in electronic form, which enables the electronic verification of the holder's identity. This also means that the eID card can serve as a personal identification tool for eServices, as well as providing a secure electronic signature.

The bill allows that people may possess both an identity card and a passport simultaneously, and when applying for new identification documents, the person chooses whether to receive only a passport, only an identity card, or both of them.

Further information:

• Original news article - Cabinet of Ministers (in Latvian)
• Related ePractice news article - LV: Electronic identity cards expected in summer 2011
• Background information - ePractice eGovernment Factsheet for Latvia