The National Identity Card in Germany (ID card) is an important identification document, issued to German citizens. It allows the holder to prove their identity in everyday life, for instance at the citizens’ office, the bank, or when collecting your parcels from the post office. It can also be used to prove the holder’s identity online, with the eID function.
All German nationals above the age of 16 have to apply for a personal identity card (Personalausweis or Perso). As of September 1, 2011, foreigners living permanently in Germany (who aren’t eligible to receive an identity card) can instead use their electronic residence permit to identify themselves on- and offline.
Since November 1, 2010, the German ID card has been issued in a credit card format, designed to fit easily inside a wallet or purse. It measures 8,6 x 5,4 centimetres and is made of layers of durable plastic, designed to protect it from wear and tear and damage in everyday use.
The card displays the following information:
The ID card contains a chip that stores information about the holder, including their name and date of birth, picture, and - if the holder wishes - their fingerprints. This data can only be read by law enforcement agencies and some other authorities.
Alongside a passport and - in some situations - a driving licence, the ID card can be used as a photo ID and an official document to identify yourself in various situations.
The German identity card has an electronic identification (eID) function that allows the holder to verify their identity on the internet, for instance when using online government services, applying for insurance, or buying age-restricted products at a vending machine. Your data is end-to-end encrypted and will only be sent when you enter your PIN. In order to use the eID function, you will need to activate it at your local identity card authority (see below about selecting a PIN).
To use the online authentication function, you will need:
Thanks to smart eID, you can also store your electronic proof of identity directly in your mobile phone. To do this, you first need to transfer the information from the chip in your ID card to your smartphone, by holding the card against your phone. You can then use just your phone to prove your identity online.
Germany only issues ID cards to (naturalised) German citizens. If you are in Germany and want to be able to use the eID function, your electronic residence permit (issued since September 1, 2011) or European ID card also has the same functionality, allowing holders to confirm their identity online. To activate the eID function on your residence permit, in most cases you will need to visit your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).
You can also use your eID to sign digital documents in a legally binding manner. To do this, you’ll need your ID card and your PIN number. In future, the process should be even further simplified.
You can travel within the European Union using only your German ID card. For travelling elsewhere, you’ll need your passport.
To apply for certain visas (for instance if you’re travelling to the US), you might need a national identity number, also sometimes referred to as an ID number, social security number or national identification number. For the German ID card, this is the serial number, displayed in the upper right-hand corner of your ID card.
You can apply for an ID card at the identity card authority of your local government services office. Children and young people under the age of 16 can also get an ID card, but it won’t have the eID function. To apply for an ID card outside of Germany, you’ll need to contact your local German embassy or mission.
To apply for an ID card, you’ll need the following documents:
Until July 2021, ID card holders could voluntarily add two fingerprints to the chip of their ID card. From August 2021, onwards, it is compulsory for applicants to provide two fingerprints when getting a new ID card.
The ID card currently costs 37 euros, or 22,80 euros if the holder is under the age of 24 on the date of issue. A temporary ID card (for instance in cases of loss) costs 10 euros. There is an additional fee of 13 euros if you are applying for an identity card at an office outside your main area of residence in Germany, and a 30 euro fee for applications from abroad.
After your eID card is issued, you will receive a letter with information about the card and the eID function, known as the PIN letter. The PIN letter contains:
You should keep this letter safe, as you may need these numbers later.
Before using the eID function on your card, you’ll need to set your own six-digit PIN (to replace the transport PIN). You can do this at the identity card authority of your local municipal office, at citizen service terminals, or via an app suitable for the eID function, such as the AusweisApp2.
German identity cards are valid for 10 years, or six years if the holder is under the age of 24 on the date of issue. Temporary ID cards are valid for a maximum of three months.
If you lose your identity card or it is stolen, you should immediately report the loss to your local identity card authority or the police. They will block the eID function, to ensure that any attempt at wrongful use is stopped.
You can also call the blocking hotline on 116 116 (free of charge from German phones). You will need the blocking code that you received in your PIN letter.