e-Government

e-Government is a system designed to provide public services to citizens electronically in a fast, secure, and uninterrupted manner. Many transactions that previously required in-person attendance can now be securely conducted through digital channels. This ensures both transaction security and flexibility.

What is e-Government?

e-Government refers to a system designed for the provision and performance of public services entrusted to citizens through electronic means. This initiative aims to deliver government services to citizens in the most expeditious, high-quality, and continuous manner. Through the e-Government platform, citizens are now able to securely execute numerous transactions via electronic channels that previously required verbal or manual submission. This establishes a technology-supported infrastructure for the performance of public services, thereby ensuring both transaction security and operational flexibility.

Usage of the e-Government Gateway

The e-Government Gateway is an integrated platform accessible via an internet browser or mobile application. It employs multiple identity verification methods, such as passwords, electronic signatures, mobile signatures, internet banking passwords, and the Turkish Republic Identity Card, to facilitate access to personal information and integrated services requiring security. Consequently, a single authentication (e.g., password, e-Signature, mobile signature) enables access to various integrated services at www.turkiye.gov.tr through a unified gateway. Furthermore, when a payment obligation arises during the execution of certain integrated e-Government services (such as tax or fee payments), these payments can also be securely processed through the e-Government Gateway's payment unit.

• Integrated Services: Electronic services provided by public institutions are integrated into the e-Government Gateway, making them accessible with a single identity verification.

• Payment Unit Service: Taxes, official fees, and similar payments collected by institutions can be securely processed through the e-Government Gateway's payment infrastructure.

Identity Verification Methods

Identity verification is the confirmation that individuals seeking to utilize services are indeed who they claim to be. The primary methods employed for identity verification at the e-Government Gateway are as follows:

• Turkish Republic Identity Number and e-Government Password: The 11-digit identity number assigned to citizens is used in conjunction with their personal e-Government password.

• Electronic Signature (e-Signature): A cryptographic signature used via a computer or smart device, with certificates obtained from authorized certificate service providers, and legally equivalent to a wet signature under Law No. 5070.

• Mobile Signature: A mobile signature service defined on SIM cards by GSM operators and functioning as an electronic signature (offered by TT Mobil, Turkcell, Vodafone).

• Turkish Republic Identity Card: Utilization of identity information embedded in the chip of the new generation smart identity card via a dedicated card reader.

• Partner Bank Internet Branch Passwords: Secure access to the e-Government Gateway using internet banking passwords from certain partner banks (with customer number/ID and password provided by the banks).

Each method offers varying levels of security and convenience. Identity verification instruments are protected by highly secure cryptographic infrastructures, and the disclosure of user information to third parties is strictly prohibited by law.

Password Acquisition and Renewal

The e-Government Gateway password is allocated to individuals meeting the following criteria:

• Turkish Republic Citizens: Citizens of the Republic of Turkey who have completed 15 years of age,

• Blue Card Holders: Blue Card holders falling within the scope of Article 28 of Law No. 5901,

• Foreign Nationals: Individuals who have been issued a foreign identity number in Turkey (subject to the additional requirement of presenting a valid foreign identity document).

Applications for password acquisition can be made in two ways:

• In-Person Application: A temporary password can be obtained by applying in person with identity verification at authorized PTT offices within the country, Turkish embassies and consulates abroad, or authorized Türksat offices. During the application, one of the official identity documents containing the Turkish Republic identity number, such as a national identity card, new identity card, temporary identity document, passport, or driver's license, must be presented. Blue Card holders, upon presenting their Blue Card, are additionally obliged to present a photographic official identity document issued by the state of their nationality.

• Online Application: Users who currently access the e-Government Gateway with an electronic signature, mobile signature, internet banking, or Turkish Republic Identity Card can directly obtain a new password by selecting the “Create Password” option from the user menu after logging in.

Password Renewal: In the event of a forgotten, stolen, or lost password, three options are available for obtaining a new password:

• Renewal via e-Government Gateway: A new password can be obtained by selecting the “Forgot Password” option on the login screen and entering the registered identity and contact information (verified mobile phone or email) in the system. To create a new password via this method, it is mandatory that your mobile phone or email is defined and verified in your profile.

• PTT/Authorized Institutions: A new temporary password can be requested by applying in person to the aforementioned authorized PTT centers or Türksat cable offices.

• Free Change with Alternative Identity Verification: After logging into the system using an electronic signature, mobile signature, internet banking, or Turkish Republic Identity Card, a new password can be set free of charge via the “Change Password” option.

Providing a rapid renewal option for forgotten or compromised passwords prevents user inconvenience. However, foreign identity number holders cannot utilize the password renewal service; they can only obtain a password for the first time at the aforementioned PTT offices and consulates.

Mobile Signature and Electronic Signature

• Electronic Signature (e-Signature): Electronic signature is encrypted data appended to or logically associated with electronic data, used to identify the signatory. According to Law No. 5070 on Electronic Signatures, an e-Signature is legally equivalent to a wet signature. These signatures are generated using certificates issued by Electronic Certificate Service Providers authorized by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). To log in with an electronic signature, the user enters their identity number and the transaction code from the e-signature tab via the e-Government e-Signature Application installed on their computer, selects the certificate, and confirms the corresponding PIN code. Upon successful completion of the transaction, the user is deemed to have logged into the e-Government Gateway.

• Mobile Signature: Mobile signature is a service offered by GSM operators (TT Mobil, Turkcell, Vodafone) using a mobile phone and SIM card. A mobile signature is an encrypted signature that performs the function of an electronic signature in accordance with Law No. 5070. It is subscription-based, and a one-time approval code is sent to the activated SIM card for each signing transaction. To log into the e-Government Gateway with a mobile signature, the user initiates the login process by selecting their Turkish Republic Identity Number, mobile number, and GSM operator; the signature text summary displayed on the screen is then matched with the one received on the mobile phone. After the user confirms that the summary texts are identical, they complete the signing process on their phone, and the login is finalized by pressing the “Continue” button on the screen.

Both methods provide high security and offer additional convenience to the user. e-Signature and mobile signature certificates cannot be counterfeited by third parties, thereby legally securing the identity verification process.

Login with Internet Banking

Customers of partner banks' internet branches can securely log into the e-Government Gateway directly using their bank passwords. In this method, the user selects “Internet Banking” from the e-Government login menu and chooses their bank, after which they are redirected to the bank's page. Here, identity verification is performed by entering the customer number/ID and internet banking password provided by the bank; subsequently, the user is automatically transferred to the e-Government Gateway homepage. This provides a complementary login channel as an alternative to the e-Government password.

It is not a prerequisite for users to have previously acquired an e-Government password to utilize this method. A bank customer who is not yet an e-Government Gateway user can log in with internet banking and create a user account; they may then set their password from their e-Government profile page if desired. Banks absolutely do not share any specific customer information related to e-Government (such as account statements, passwords, etc.) with the e-Government Gateway; similarly, the e-Government Gateway does not share user's bank information with banks. In cases of concern, users can disable the internet banking login option from the “Access Restrictions” section in their e-Government profile. In such an event, it will not be possible to connect to e-Government via internet banking.

Login with Turkish Republic Identity Card

New generation Turkish Republic Identity Cards can also be used for logging into the e-Government Gateway. To access the system, the user must download and install the e-Government Identity Card Application on their computer. After selecting the “Turkish Republic Identity Card” option on the login screen, the identity number is entered, the identity card is inserted into the card reader, and the card type is selected. The transaction code displayed on the screen is entered into the relevant field, the identity card PIN code is entered, and the “OK” button is pressed. Upon successful completion of the transaction, the user is automatically redirected to the e-Government Gateway homepage. The use of a standard smart card reader or a keypad card reader is mandatory for this method.

Login with the Turkish Republic Identity Card is a secure method for electronic verification of identity information and, like other methods, relies on cryptographic signature technologies. During the login process, the information on the card is used in an encrypted form; therefore, the physical security of the card guarantees the integrity of e-Government usage.

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is an additional security measure that goes beyond the password step for accessing an e-Government Gateway account. When activated, the user first completes identity verification with a password or similar methods; subsequently, a second verification mechanism is engaged. The user activates this feature by enabling “Two-Factor Authentication” in the “Security and Settings” section of their e-Government Gateway account.

In the first stage, a standard login is performed using one of the existing methods, such as Turkish Republic Identity Number and password, mobile signature, electronic signature, Turkish Republic Identity Card, or internet banking. In the second stage, the security process is completed using one of the methods suitable for the user. If a mobile device is registered to the user's account, approval can be obtained by sending an instant notification via the e-Government mobile application to this device. Approval can be given from the “Mobile Approval” menu within the e-Government application on the mobile device, or the transaction can be verified by scanning a QR code from the “Login with QR Code” menu. It is possible to add or delete new devices via “My Profile > Settings > Two-Factor Authentication > Registered Device Operations” on the registered device.

If no registered device is found, a one-time verification code will be sent via SMS to the mobile phone registered in the system profile. The user completes the verification by entering this code into the designated field. Thus, two-factor authentication is not solely dependent on a password but is reinforced by a possessed device or a verification code in the final step, thereby enhancing account security. With active two-factor authentication, unauthorized login attempts can be automatically detected and blocked by the e-Government Gateway.

Mobile Application

The e-Government Gateway mobile application enables easy access to services offered at www.turkiye.gov.tr from mobile devices. Compatible with iOS and Android operating systems, the application is available for free download by users via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. To log into the mobile application, users can employ their e-Government Gateway password or mobile signature.

With the mobile application, users can quickly access the most requested services on the e-Government Gateway, create a list of favorite services, update profile information, and follow institutional announcements and instant notifications. Information and services belonging to municipalities and public institutions are conveniently displayed through the application interface. All these operations are conducted via the secure connections of the mobile device, thereby extending e-Government access to the mobile environment with the same level of security as a desktop computer.

e-Government Key and Document Verification

• e-Government Key (One-Time Password): This application provides extra security by generating a one-time password in addition to the login performed with the Turkish Republic Identity Number and regular password. After logging into the e-Government Gateway, the user activates the application from the e-Government Key menu; subsequently, new one-time passwords are generated for each login via the application on their mobile device. Each generated password is entered alongside the primary login credentials to access the system. This prevents password reuse. After the Key application is activated, the latest version of the application must be installed on the device to log in with the mobile application.

• Document Verification Application: This is a tool developed to confirm the authenticity of official documents obtained through the e-Government Gateway. The QR code on the documents is scanned with a mobile device camera, or document information is manually entered for inquiry. The application instantly reports who the document belongs to, on what date and by which public institution it was issued, and whether the document is still valid. This eliminates the risk of forgery for official e-Government documents, thereby securing their legal validity.

Both applications add additional security for the user and reinforce transparency and trust in public transactions. You can obtain the e-Government Key and Document Verification applications from the Apple and Android stores; by performing instant identity confirmation and document control, you can experience a comprehensive digital service.