Smart cards: validity, renewal, replacement, revocation

In this section

1. How long are EPO smart cards valid for?

2. I am about to move to a different company. Can I continue to use my present smart card?

3. My smart card is going to expire soon. How can I renew it?

4. When I tried to renew my smart card I received the message "Your smart card has not been recognised as issued by the EPO". What should I do?

5. My smart card has expired. How can I get a new one?

6. If I get a replacement or renewal smart card, will my PIN code stay the same?

7. What do I need to do in order to revoke a smart card?

8. What should I do with my revoked/expired smart card?

1. How long are EPO smart cards valid for?

EPO smart cards have a standard validity of three years. The "valid to" date is indicated on the card.

2. I am about to move to a different company. Can I continue to use my present smart card?

No, you will need to apply for a new card. You will also need to request the revocation of your old card (by e-mail to support@epo.org).

3. My smart card is going to expire soon. How can I renew it?

The expiry date of your smart card is printed on the card next to your name. You can renew your card any time after 60 days prior to the expiry date by going to www.epoline.org ->Smart card actions ->Renew EPO smart card (existing card still valid). You will be sent your new card within a few days.

4. When I tried to renew my smart card I received the message "Your smart card has not been recognised as issued by the EPO". What should I do?

First of all check that your smart card is still valid. Access My.epoline under "Smart card access" and click on login. Once you are in the secure portal, log out and follow the smart card renewal procedure again.

If you do not have access to My.epoline, go to Start -> Programs -> Classic Client -> Classic Client Toolbox -> Certificates, enter your PIN code and click the "Register All" button. You should get a message saying "Successful registered client certificates: 2". Close the Classic Client toolbox and follow the smart card renewal procedure again.

Should you get a message saying "Successful registered client certificates: 1", or encounter any other problem, please contact support@epo.org for assistance.

5. My smart card has expired. How can I get a new one?

You can renew your smart card any time after 60 days prior to the expiry date. If the expiry date has already passed, please e-mail support@epo.org with your smart card details, postal address, e-mail address and phone number to ask for a manual renewal. Your details will only be kept for a limited period of time.

6. If I get a replacement or renewal smart card, will my PIN code stay the same?

No, each new smart card is allocated a new PIN code and new Admin PIN. As soon as you receive your new smart card, you should sign and return your acceptance letter. You will then be sent your new PIN code within a few days (see also "How can I change my PIN code?").

7. What do I need to do in order to revoke a smart card?

Smart card holders, or their direct superiors in matters relating to the EPO, can request the revocation of a smart card by sending an e-mail to support@epo.org.

8. What should I do with my revoked/expired smart card?

If your smart card has already expired or if you have already asked EPO User Support to revoke it, you should cut the smart card across the metallic chip and dispose of it. You do not need to return it to the EPO.