Administrative services A-Z

Forms: no

Online procedure possible: no

Written form required: no

Personal appearance required: yes

The eID card is a chip card with which you can prove your identity electronically. With the eID card, you can identify yourself online and, for example, carry out administrative or business transactions digitally.

You can obtain the German eID card as a citizen of another member state of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (European Economic Area) - regardless of whether you live in Germany or not.

The online ID function of the eID card offers you as a citizen of these states the same electronic function as the German electronic ID card or the electronic residence permit in Germany. You can apply for the eID card regardless of whether your home state has an eID system or not.

If you use the eID card, you can decide and control yourself in each case whether and to whom you transmit personal data digitally.

You are

• at least 16 years old and
• a citizen of another country of the European Union or
• a citizen of another state of the European Economic Area.

• ID card (identity card), passport or other valid identity document issued by your home country.
• If you do not have a residence in Germany, other proof of your residence is required. You can obtain the necessary documents from the relevant foreign representation.

If you have moved to Germany and have not yet registered, you must first register with a German registration office (usually: Bürgeramt). You can find out which documents are required for registration from your registration office.

• Issue of the eID card: EUR 37.00
• for shipping abroad: respective shipping costs

You can apply for the eID card in person at the Bürgeramt for your place of residence.

• Contact your local Bürgeramt and make an appointment if necessary.

If you want to apply for your eID card outside Germany (from 1 November 2021):

• Contact the Foreign Office and the foreign mission in the district where you live.

• Validity of the eID card: 10 years

• § 8 Act on a Card for Union Citizens and Citizens of the European Economic Area with Electronic Proof of Identity (eIDKG)
• §§ 2 to 2a Ordinance on Fees for Identity Cards and Electronic Proof of Identity (PAuswGebV)

• Information on the eID card on the identity card portal of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community
• Brochure of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community: "The eID card for citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area"

Federal Ministry of the Interior, for Building and Home Affairs