Your ID card is equipped with a chip. This allows you to use the card online as well. Once you have activated the online ID function by setting a six-digit PIN of your choice, you can use it to verify your identity when accessing government services and other digital offerings available online, such as:
- Applying for BAföG
- Activating a SIM card
- Using services of the German Pension Insurance
- Identifying yourself with PostIdent
- Registering your residence
- Apply for a certificate of residence
If you are applying for a new ID card and are at least 16 years old, you can use the online ID function. You will receive the required PIN (Personal Identification Number), as well as the unlock code and other information, in a sealed envelope directly when you apply for the ID document at the government office.
To verify your identity online, you must set a six-digit PIN of your choice.
- You can change your PIN at any time via the app or at the government office.
- If you forget your PIN, you can set a new one at your local government office.
You can use the PUK (Personal Unlock Key), also known as the unlock code, to lift a PIN lock after three incorrect entries. However, you can only use the PUK to re-enter the correct PIN. Otherwise, please contact your ID issuing authority.
If you are under 16 years of age at the time of application, the online ID function is deactivated. Activation is only possible after your 16th birthday. This is done at the issuing authority free of charge. If your ID card was issued before July 2017, the online ID function may be deactivated because this feature was optional at that time. You can have this function activated at your local government office free of charge.
You can start using your online ID card as soon as you set a six-digit PIN of your choice. There are several ways to do this:
- You can set a six-digit PIN yourself using an app for the online ID card or at a public service terminal. To do this, you’ll need the one-time PIN from the PIN letter you received when you applied for your ID card.
- Set your own six-digit PIN directly at the Citizens’ Office when you pick up your ID card.
Have you forgotten your PIN or used the PUK number too many times to unlock the PIN?
- If you want to reset your PIN or request a new one later, you can have a new PIN set up free of charge at your local Citizens’ Office.
Once the one-time PIN has been provided, processing takes approximately 5 minutes.
The municipal administrative authority of your city, municipality, or independent municipality is responsible.
