Digidentity uses the term certificate for different purposes. This can be confusing when you receive an email stating that your certificate is about to expire. In this FAQ, we explain what this means and what action you may need to take.
Why do I receive a message that my certificate is expiring?
You receive this notification because a certificate linked to your Digidentity account is nearing its expiry date. This can be either:
- an authenticator (required to log in), or
- a product certificate (such as SBR, Server, or AA)
Which of the two applies can be determined from the content of the email.
What is the difference between an authenticator and a certificate?
Authenticator (login method)
An authenticator is required to access your Digidentity account.
- This is your 5-digit PIN that you use to log in
- Internally at Digidentity also referred to as a certificate
Product certificates
These are separate certificates that you can purchase from Digidentity, such as:
- SBR Digipoort (PKIoverheid)
- Server certificates
- AA certificates
These certificates have a specific functional purpose and their own unique name.
You can also check the validity of your product certificates (AA, SBR, Server) in our Self Service Portal.
How do I know which certificate is expiring?
You receive an email mentioning a specific certificate name
If the email explicitly mentions the name of the certificate, for example:
“Your SBR Digipoort Certificate (PKIoverheid) is expiring soon”
- a product certificate is expiring
- you need to renew or replace this certificate
You receive a generic email: “Your certificate is expiring”
- This refers to your authenticator
- Simply log in to your Digidentity account using your 5-digit PIN
- You do not need to purchase a new certificate
I have logged in, but I keep receiving this message. Why?
- Another authenticator is still linked to your account
- This authenticator may be located on a different device
- That authenticator is nearing its expiry date
If you are unsure which authenticator is causing the notification, our support team can check this for you.
Need help?
Are you unsure whether the message refers to an authenticator or a product certificate? Please contact the Digidentity helpdesk. We are happy to assist you.