Service Finder
electronic proof of identity activation
Service Description
Since 15.07.2017, the identity card has been issued as standard with activated online ID function (also called eID function) to persons aged 16 and over; eID cards can be obtained by EU citizens and nationals of the European Economic Area aged 16 and over with electronic proof of identity function since 01.01.2021. In order to be able to identify oneself online with companies and authorities, an activated eID function and the PIN are required.
If your own PIN has been set but forgotten, or if you have misplaced your PIN letter, or if the online ID function has not yet been activated, you can either
- use the electronic PIN reset and activation service (currently still in a first beta version) or
- contact your ID card or eID card authority.
With the help of the PIN reset service, holders of an ID card or eID card who have a registration address in Germany can reset the PIN of their online ID card themselves. Holders of an ID card with a German registration address can also activate the online ID card themselves. Since eID cards can only ever be applied for from the age of 16 with an activated online ID card, this activation service is only available for the ID card that persons who are not yet required to have an ID card can also possess, but without an activated online ID card, or which may have been issued with a deactivated eID function before July 15, 2017 due to the option available at that time.The PIN reset and activation service is an additional offer; the option of having the online ID card activated or a new PIN set at the ID card or eID card authority continues to exist.
When collecting the ID card, the citizen declares in writing to the ID card authority whether the use of the electronic proof of identity is desired. The ID card authority will then switch the electronic proof of identity function on or off.
This decision can be changed at any time during the validity period of the ID card by written declaration to the ID card authority.
The data stored electronically in the ID card will only be transmitted if
- a service provider has a valid authorization certificate and
- the citizen agrees in advance to the transfer of personal data by entering a secret number (PIN).
- Personal appearance is required when submitting the application
- "eID card" is the abbreviation for "card with function for electronic proof of identity".
- The applicant must be at least 16 years old and a citizen of the EU or an EEA state (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein).
- The eID card enables German administrative services to be used via the Internet.
- The eID card does not serve as an identification document or travel document and is issued without a photograph.
Process flow
You can request the PIN reset letter online.
You receive the letter in person via "POSTIDENT" delivery or pick it up at a post office branch within seven working days. In both cases, you identify yourself with an official and valid identification document (ID card or passport). For security reasons, the letter will then be delivered by mail as "registered mail, hand-delivered" to the registration address in Germany stored in the chip of the ID card or eID card.
You can also contact the identity card or eID card authority.
Who should I contact?
Please contact the Citizen's Office at your primary residence.
Please contact the Citizen's Office at your primary residence.
Requirements
The following requirements apply to the person applying:
- You are the holder of an identity card or an eID card.
- When using the PIN reset and activation service:
- You have a current registered address in Germany.
- You need a suitable smartphone or reader.
- AusweisApp2 must be installed.
- German national within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law (GG
)- Registered in the municipality with main residence
Which documents are required?
- Identity card
- valid passport or ID card from home country
What are the fees?
Activating the online ID card does not incur any costs for you.
- Free of charge: Initial activation or deactivation of the electronic proof of identity (eID function) when collecting the ID card-
Free of charge: Initial activation of the electronic proof of identity (eID function) for persons who received their ID card before reaching the age of 16-
6.00 euros for subsequent activation of the electronic proof of identity (eID function)-
Free of charge:
Free of charge:
Blocking the electronic ID card (eID function)
in the event of loss-
6.00 euros for unblocking the
electronic ID card (eID function
, e.g. upon retrieval)- 6.00 euros for
changing the PIN at the ID card authority(e.g. PIN forgotten)
- 6.00 euros for changing the PIN at the ID card authority(e.g. PIN forgotten
)-
6.00 euros for changing the PIN at the ID card authority (e.g. PIN forgotten)- 6.00 euros for changing the PIN at the ID card authority(e.g. PIN forgotten)
6.00 Euro for changing the PIN in the identity card authority (e.g. PIN forgotten) and subsequent activation of the electronic ID card (eID function)-
13.00 Euro surcharge for subsequent activation of the electronic ID card (eID function) or changing the PIN in the identity card authority (e.g .
6.00 for subsequent activation of the electronic ID card (eID function) or change of PIN (e.g. PIN forgotten)
or unblocking of the electronic ID card (eID function, e.g. upon retrieval) by consular or diplomatic representation abroad-
Any number of times free of charge possible: Independent PIN change (at home)
- 37,00 EUR
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
There are no deadlines for you.
Processing duration
Delivery of the PIN reset letter by "POSTIDENT" to the German registration address. This takes up to seven working days.
Legal basis
Appeal
Personal appearance: yes (representation not possible)
Online procedure: possible
Written form: no
Forms: no
Author
The text was automatically translated based on the German content per DeepL.
Ms. Burggraf
,Department O 3,
Federal Ministry of the Interior,
Graurheindorfer Strasse 198
,53117 Bonn
The text was automatically translated based on the German content per DeepL.
The text was automatically translated based on the German content per DeepL.
Technically approved by
BMI, IT4
Professionally released on
Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)
