eID card
Self-Service-Terminal
Self-Service-Terminal © City of Rosenheim

Electronic proof of identity card (eID card) for EU citizens

Since January 1, 2021, citizens of a member state of the European Union as well as nationals of the European Economic Area can now also apply for a card with electronic proof of identity function (eID card) in order to use the online ID function for digital services and to be able to prove their own identity electronically to public and non-public bodies in the Federal Republic of Germany.

You can find extensive information about this on the ID card portal of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and also in a current information brochure (English version).

Important note: The eID card does not replace the recognized and valid foreign passport or ID card for identification purposes, nor does it serve as an identification or travel document. It therefore contains, among other things, no photograph and no signature.

    • Only citizens of a Member State of the European Union (EU) and nationals of the European Economic Area EEA (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) who do not also hold German citizenship are eligible to apply .
    • Minimum age: 16 years
    • Personal application required

    Local jurisdiction:

    • Place of residence in Germany: Bürgeramt (citizens' registration office) of your registered place of residence.
    • Place of residence abroad: at the German missions abroad designated by the Federal Foreign Office

    Deadlines/Duration:

    • Validity period: 10 years / extension of validity period not possible
    • Issue period: approx. 3 - 4 weeks

    Required documents: Valid recognized foreign passport or identity card of the EU or the EEA

  • Fee: 37.00 Euro

    Method of payment: cash or EC card with PIN The fee must be paid when the application is submitted.

    Services free of charge for the online ID function: Setting the personal PIN for the first time at the Bürgeramt, changing the PIN at the Bürgeramt (e.g. PIN forgotten), blocking the online ID function in the event of loss, unblocking the online ID function.

  • After production of your eID card (approx. 3-4 weeks), you will automatically receive a PIN letter from Bundesdruckerei for using the online ID function. However, please do not bring the PIN letter with you to the pickup.

    Power of attorney to pick up your eID card:

    You can have an authorized representative represent you when you pick up your eID card. Detailed information on this can be found in the information sheet as an attachment to the Power of attorney to pick up your ID card / eID card form.

  • As a cardholder, you are required by law to report the loss or theft of your eID card to your local ID authority or the police without delay. The same applies if the eID card reported as lost is recovered.

    Blocking the online ID function

    For security reasons, it is also necessary to have the online ID function blocked immediately. You can block the online ID function either directly at the ID authority in your current place of residence or via the toll-free telephone blocking emergency number 116 116. Please have your blocking password ready for the call, which was provided to you in the PIN letter. The online ID function will be blocked immediately and can no longer be used for the time being. If you no longer know your blocking password, you can ask for it at the ID card authority in your current place of residence. For security reasons, proof of your identity is required here. Further information is available on the Internet under Sperr-Notruf.

    Important note: After losing your eID card, a new application is possible. Please note that the application for a new eID card cannot be revoked even if the eID card originally reported as lost is found again.

    Recovery

    If the eID card that was reported lost or stolen is recovered and comes into your possession, you are also legally obligated to immediately report the recovery to the responsible identification authority. You should therefore go in person to the relevant identification authority and present the recovered eID card.

    If a new eID card has not yet been applied for, you can arrange for the card to be unblocked at the ID authority and use the online ID function again.