The ID card with
eID function at a glance
New possibilities, more security
Since 1 November 2010, Germany has been issuing the
new ID card in smart card format and with a chip. With this
chip, the ID card holder can use the eID function. With the
eID function, you can prove your identity in a simple, secure
and quick manner on the Internet or at vending machines.
The ID card chip transmits your personal data using secure
connections once you authorise such transmission by entering your PIN. The data the other party may request on the
Internet is checked by the government. You always know to
whom you transmit your personal data.
An increasing number of businesses and public authorities
offer services for which you can use the eID function. This
helps protect your personal data when completing business
transactions and administrative formalities on the Internet,
and your requests can be processed more quickly. There are
no waiting times and you can save paper and postage.
Registration procedures in which you identify yourself with
your username and password require you to know this
information. Anyone else who obtains this information can
also use and/or abuse it. The ID card’s eID function provides
better protection, because in addition to the six-digit PIN,
you must also be in possession of the ID card. Only if the
two are used simultaneously can your electronic identity be
transmitted. This clearly makes it more difficult to steal and
abuse your personal data.
To use the eID function, you need a card reader (available
from various retailers) and software such as AusweisApp,
which ensures a safe connection between your ID card and
the Internet service provider so that data can be exchanged
in encrypted form. AusweisApp can be downloaded free
of charge at www.ausweisapp.bund.de.
The ID card with eID function at a glance
The new ID card with electronic identity function (or
eID function) enables simple and secure online communica­
tion between private individuals, administrative bodies
and businesses.
What’s new?
• Smart card format
• Postcode
• Integrated chip
•eID function for identification on the Internet and at
­vending machines (16 and above)
• Stored passport photograph
•Voluntary storage of fingerprints to clearly match the
ID card with the ID card holder
•Electronic signature function to sign binding contracts,
applications, documents, etc. (must be purchased
­separately)
• Enhanced security features
• Special protection of biometric data
•ID card logo on the reverse side of the card (can also
be found on any equipment and everywhere you can
use the eID function)
•Local government services available (Monday to Friday
from 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.) at +49 (0)180 133 3333
(3.9 ct/minute from German landlines, max. 42 ct/minute
from mobile phones, also available from abroad)
More information:
www.personalausweisportal.de
Doctoral degree,
family name,
given names
Chip
Serial number
Photograph
Nationality
Access number
Last day
of validity
Date and
place of birth
What data are stored on the chip?
Data stored on the chip:
• Data printed on the ID card
• Digital photo
Upon request:
•eID function: the following information may be
­transmitted electronically following the approval of the
ID card holder:
> Name, first name, doctoral degree
> Date and place of birth
> Address and postcode
> Religious, stage or pen name
> Pseudonym function without the use
of personal data
> Confirmation of age and place of residence
Information
on whether the ID card is valid or has been
blocked is always transmitted, thus protecting the eID
function from abuse if the ID card is lost or stolen.
•Separate possibility to upload a certificate for qualified
electronic signature
•Two fingerprints (stored only on the ID card,
not in databases)
Not stored on the chip:
• Personal signature
• Height and eye colour
Issuing
authority
Address
Religious order
or artistic name
Logo
Machine-readable zone
(IDD = identity card of the Federal Republic of Germany,
serial number, date of birth, last day of validity, check
digits, blanks, family name, given name)
PIN, PUK and blocking code
PIN letter
Once your ID card has been issued, you will receive a
PIN letter with a five-digit activation PIN, a PUK code
and a blocking code. The activation PIN, the PUK and
the blocking code are important if you wish to use the
eID function.
Changing the activation PIN to your personal PIN
To use the eID function, the five-digit activation PIN
must be replaced by a personal six-digit PIN. You can
change your personal PIN at home with the help of a
reader or in all identity card authorities at any time and
as many times as you want. Whenever you use the
eID function, you must enter your six-digit personal PIN.
PUK
If you enter the wrong PIN three times, the eID function
will be blocked. It can be unblocked by entering the
PUK.
Reporting hotline
Whenever an ID card is lost or stolen, the eID function must be blocked as quickly as possible. This can
be done at your local government services office or by
calling the free number 116 116, which is available 24
hours a day, seven days a week. This number can also
be reached from abroad by calling +49 (0)116 116 or
+49 (0)30 4050 4050 (subject to a fee). To block the eID
function, card holders will be asked to provide their
name, date of birth and the blocking code. The PIN letter also includes the blocking code.
Please note: Even if the eID function has been blocked
by calling the reporting hotline, your local government
services office must be informed of the loss of the ID card.
The signature function must be blocked separately by
contacting the signature certificate provider.
More information:
www.personalausweisportal.de
Answers to your questions
What documents must be provided with the ID card
­application?
• Current passport photograph
•Valid identity document (e.g. passport, ID card,
child identity card, child passport or birth certificate)
•For applicants aged under 16: consent of both legal
guardians or proof of the right of custody if there is
only one legal guardian
Photograph requirements
• The photograph must be recent
• Front view, not a three-quarter view
• Face in the centre of the passport photo
• Eyes must be open and clearly visible
•The mouth must be shut;
the facial expression must be neutral
•Further information:
www.personalausweisportal.de/fotomustertafel
How much does the identity card cost?
For persons aged 24 and over: €28.80 (valid for ten years),
for persons under 24: €22.80 (valid for six years).
Can the eID function be activated at a later date?
As long as the ID card is valid, you can activate or deactivate the eID function at your local government services
office any time. A fee of six euros is charged for later activation, but later deactivation is free of charge.
Will my fingerprints be stored?
Fingerprints are provided voluntarily and stored only on
the ID card, not in registers or databases. Only public
authorities have the right and technical means to retrieve
this information.
Federal Ministry of the Interior, 11014 Berlin, Germany // www.personalausweisportal.de // [email protected] //
Graphical concept: Serviceplan Public Opinion // Printing:
Silber Druck oHG, Niestetal // Photo credits: Federal Ministry
of the Interior // Last updated: March 2014
This brochure may be ordered free of charge from: Publikationsversand der Bundes-
regierung, Postfach 48 10 09, 18132 Rostock, Germany // Phone: +49 (0)1805 778 090, Fax:
+49 (0)1805 778 094, [email protected], article no.: BMI14001 // Personal
data provided when ordering the publication will be deleted upon delivery.