The identity card authority provides information about the identity card when the application is made.

Germans within the meaning of Art. 116 Para. 1 of the Basic Law are obliged to have a valid identity card as soon as they reach the age of 16 and are subject to the general registration obligation or, without being subject to it, reside predominantly in Germany. They must present it on request to an authority authorized to establish their identity and allow it to compare their face with the photo on the ID card. The identity card holder may not be required to deposit the identity card or to relinquish custody in any other way. This does not apply to authorities authorized to establish identity or in cases of confiscation and seizure.

The identification requirement can also be fulfilled by holding and presenting a valid passport or temporary passport. Identity documents from other countries are not suitable for this purpose.