Finnish ID card...how to get one?

[Andy_UK]

OK, after reading this forum for about a year whilst pondering my move.. I have to say that I have finally done it...and many thanks for everybody that helped and advised me along the way.

OK, so now I live in Seinajoki, have a full residence permit (forever) and now my ID numbers (henkilotunnus) and managed to set up my company through TE Centre and get the Y-Tunnus for it too.

Basically, I am here living, working, and paying my taxes...

However I have just 1 question. Where do I go to now to get my ID card? I keep getting asked for ID whenever I buy something...even though I am using my finnish bank card..but all I have is my UK driving license card and this doesn't have my finnish ID on...

Thanks for the help....hopefully for the last time..and now I can advise other people on what to do and pass on the wisdom gained from this great site...

-Andy (now _FIN!!)

[superiorinferior]

Get ID cards, drivers licenses, etc. at the cops.

Get photo KELA card at police or a Kela office that has a joint-service agreement with the police.


http://www.kela.fi/in/internet/english. ... enDocument

Why are you "always" being asked for ID when you pay with a bank card? Usually cashiers only ask if the purchase is for 50 euros or more.

[GaryK]

but all I have is my UK driving license card and this doesn't have my finnish ID on...

I guess it depends on the shop, but I remember buying something for over 50 euros with a Finnish bank card and being able to use my UK driving licence as a form of ID for that. They wouldn't accept it at Nordea as a valid form of identification though, if I remember right.

[superiorinferior]

but all I have is my UK driving license card and this doesn't have my finnish ID on...

I guess it depends on the shop, but I remember buying something for over 50 euros with a Finnish bank card and being able to use my UK driving licence as a form of ID for that. They wouldn't accept it at Nordea as a valid form of identification though, if I remember right.

I use my US drivers license and my pictureless KELA card, has never failed in any situation. Excluding the charmers at the US Embassy.

[Hank W.]

Well, the easiest way is to exchange your UK licence to a Finnish one. Magic numbers matching, no stupid questions asked...

You can go to the police and try get a card... they might give you a RP card which is useless as it has no magic numbers; you could also be able to get a Finnish ID card, but I think you need to be a permanent resident for one (been here 4 years) ...

And of course you should love and cherish to get asked ID buying with a Finnish bank card - how would you like people finding your card and going on a shopping spree with it? I'd be mighty peeved if I wasn't asked for ID.