Steps in obtaining a digital ID

• Use the SAME computer for all the steps below!
• Do NOT switch browsers
• After reading this page, click on "Request a Digital ID" at the end of this page.
• Select a PIN for your Certificate
• Electronically submit the form which simultaneously causes your browser to
• 1. generate your private/public key set
  2. sends the public key to the certification authority to await certification.
• Physically go to a local registration authority (RA) to have your identity verified.
• Upon identify verification, return to the link below. 
• Use the URL to download your certified public key into the SAME personal computer and browser that you used to request certification. 
• Save the downloaded file to a portable storage device (i.e., Flash Drive; CD-ROM) as a backup.
• 1. Store the portable storage device in a safe, secure place for backup purposes.
  2. The file should not be stored on any network drive!
  3. Use the portable storage device to import your Digital ID into other computers that you use.

Make sure you select "High Security" when the security level window pops up. The name of the window is called "Creating a new RSA exchange key". For more information, please click here. Selecting the "High Security" option forces you to create a password. Failure to do this step will require that you revoke your Digital ID. You will then have to reapply for a new Digital ID with "High Security".

The password you chose for your security environment

• is never sent out on the network,
• must be unguessable,
• must never be written down,
• MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN - ONLY YOU KNOW YOUR PASSWORD!!!!

• Only you have your private key.
• If your security environment is destroyed (e.g. a hard disc crash) you must import your digital ID from the portable storage device.
• The portable storage device can also be used to install your key set on other computers such as a laptop, your home computer, etc.