The identity card authority provides information on the identity card when an application is submitted.

Germans within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law are required to have a valid ID card as soon as they reach the age of 16 and are subject to the general obligation to register or, without being subject to it, are predominantly resident in Germany. They must present it on request to an authority authorized to establish identity and enable it to compare their face with the photograph on the ID card. The ID card holder may not be required to deposit the ID card or otherwise relinquish custody. This does not apply to authorities authorized to establish identity and in cases of confiscation and seizure.

The identification requirement may also be fulfilled by possession and presentation of a valid passport or temporary passport. Identity documents of other states are not suitable for this purpose.