The eID card is a chip card that you can use to prove your identity electronically. It is not an identity document in the traditional sense, but enables electronic proof of identity in order to be able to use eGovernment services at the highest level of trust.

You can obtain the German eID card as a citizen of another member state of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (European Economic Area) - regardless of whether you live in Germany or not.

As the eID card is designed exclusively for online use and does not serve as an identity document or travel document, the eID card does not contain data such as a photograph, signature, size and eye color. Certain data (such as address and nationality) is only stored on the electronic storage medium (chip).

The online ID function of the eID card offers you, as a citizen of these countries, the same electronic function as the German electronic ID card or the electronic residence permit in Germany. You can apply for the eID card regardless of whether your home country has an eID system or not. If you use the eID card, you can decide and control yourself whether and to whom you transmit personal data digitally.

The eID card can only be issued to applicants aged 16 and over. It is issued for a period of validity of 10 years.