eID card; application

Nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of a signatory state to the Agreement on the European Economic Area who are not German within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law will be issued a card with an electronic proof of identity function (eID card) on request.

The eID card is not an identity document in the traditional sense, but enables electronic proof of identity in order to be able to use eGovernment services at the highest level of trust. It can also be used for on-site reading for the purpose of transferring form data between people present without media discontinuity.

As the eID card is designed exclusively for online use and does not serve as an identity document or travel document, the eID card does not contain data such as a photograph, signature, size and eye color. Certain data (such as address and nationality) is only stored on the electronic storage medium (chip).

The eID card can only be issued to applicants aged 16 and over.

It is issued for a period of validity of ten years.

Since May 2, 2025, it has been possible to have the requested eID card sent to the domestic registration address for an additional fee of €15.00. The item may only be handed over to the addressee in person. Further information on direct mailing can be obtained from your eID card authority.

Responsibility

In the Free State of Bavaria, the (residential) municipalities are the responsible eID card authorities. If there is more than one residence, the main residence is to be used as the basis.

If the person is not required to register, the eID card authority in whose district the person lives at the time of the application or the event triggering the official action is responsible.

• EU citizens or nationals of a country belonging to the European Economic Area who are not German citizens
• Minimum age: 16 years

• The eID card applicant must submit a formal application to the relevant municipality.
• The eID card applicant must always appear in person at the eID card authority to verify his/her identity.
• If there is any doubt about the identity of the applicant, no eID card can be issued.

• recognized and valid foreign passport or identity card
• if the person is not required to register in Germany: Proof of residence or address

• Fee for issuing an eID card: EUR 37.00
• Direct mailing of an eID card: EUR 15.00