Your identity card is equipped with a chip. This allows you to use the card online. Once you have activated the online ID function by setting a six-digit PIN of your choice, you can use it to identify yourself online when using online government services and other digital offerings, for example:
- Applying for BAföG
- Activating a SIM card
- Using German pension insurance services
- Identifying yourself with PostIdent
- Registering your place of residence
- Apply for a registration certificate
If you are applying for a new identity card and are at least 16 years old, you can use the online ID function. You will receive the required PIN (personal identification number), the unlock code, and further information in a sealed envelope when you apply for the identity card at the relevant authority.
To identify yourself 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 authorities.
- If you forget your PIN, you can set a new one at your local government office.
With the PUK (Personal Unlock Key), also known as the unlock code, you can lift a PIN block after three incorrect entries. However, you can only use the PUK to re-enter the correct PIN. Otherwise, contact your ID authority.
If you are younger than 16 at the time of application, the online ID card will be deactivated. Activation is only possible after your 16th birthday. This is done free of charge at the authorities. If your ID card was issued before July 2017, the online ID function may be deactivated because this function was optional at the time. You can have this function activated free of charge at your local authorities.
You can use your online ID card as soon as you have 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 a citizen terminal. To do this, you will 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 citizen's office when you pick up your ID card.
Have you forgotten your PIN or used the PUK number to unblock your PIN too many times?
- If you want to reset your PIN or apply for a new one, you can have a new PIN set free of charge at your local citizen service center.
Once the one-time PIN has been provided, processing takes approximately 5 minutes.
