Digital Certificate (Personal)

A digital identity certificate for individuals. It is commonly used for secure email (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions), digital document signing, and authentication when accessing protected online services.

Applicants may choose the following Digital Certificate (d-Cert) types during the application:

d-Cert (Personal)

A d-Cert (Personal) includes the following information relating to the applicant:

• The applicant’s name as stated on the Hong Kong Identity Card;

• The applicant’s Hong Kong Identity Card number, stored in encrypted form;​

• The applicant’s email address; and​

• Unique Applicant Reference Number.

Eligibility for d-Cert (Personal)​

A d-Cert (Personal) is intended for individuals who need to authenticate their identity in electronic transactions. It is suitable for persons who are required to sign electronic documents, submit information through secure online platforms, or access services that require reliable personal identity verification. The certificate may be used by professionals, employees, or members of the public acting in their personal capacity.​​

Benefits of Using a d-Cert (Personal)​

The use of a d-Cert (Personal) provides a secure and trusted means of conducting electronic transactions. It enables the holder to create digital signatures that are legally recognised under the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, ensuring the integrity and non‑repudiation of signed electronic records.​

Using a d-Cert (Personal) provides the following benefits:​

• Strong identity authentication: It verifies the identity of the certificate holder, enhancing trust in online interactions.​
• Legally binding digital signatures: It enables the creation of digital signatures that are legally recognised under the Electronic Transactions Ordinance.​
• Enhanced security: It protects electronic transactions against tampering, impersonation, and unauthorised access.​
• Convenience and efficiency: It allows users to complete transactions and sign documents electronically, reducing the need for physical presence or paper-based processes.​
• Wide applicability: It supports access to government, commercial, and professional online services that require secure personal authentication.

Summary of d-Cert (Personal)

Subscription Fees of d-Cert (Personal)

Each d-Cert (Personal) is subject to an annual subscription fee.

Applicants may select the desired validity period at the time of first application and pay the corresponding fee in a single payment.​

​Upon expiry, the applicant may renew the digital certificate as required and pay the applicable renewal fee. This arrangement allows applicants to flexibly determine the certificate’s validity period and manage related payments accordingly.​

Note 1: The d-Cert (Personal) may be issued to individuals under the age of 18 who hold a Smart Identity Card. In such cases, the certificate will display the designation “d-Cert (Personal/Minor)” to indicate that the certificate holder is a minor.

Reliance Limit of d-Cert (Personal)

A reliance limit is the maximum amount of money that another party may rely on when accepting a digital signature created using a d-Cert (Personal). For an adult applicant, the reliance limit is HK$200,000. This means that if someone uses your digital certificate to sign an electronic document or transaction, other parties may rely on that digital signature for transactions involving amounts up to HK$200,000.

Document required for the d-Cert (Personal) application

• Copy of each Subscriber/ Authorised User’s HKID card or passport

Certification Practice Statement

For further details on HKCA’s practices in issuing d-Cert (Personal), please refer to the d-Cert Certification Practice Statement (CPS).

Click here to log in d-Cert Subscriber Portal to register or submit d-Cert (Personal) application.