eID Card; Application

For nationals of a Member State of the European Union or a State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area who are not German citizens within the meaning of Article 116(1) of the Basic Law, a card with electronic identity verification functionality (eID card) will be issued upon application.

The eID card is not an identification document in the traditional sense, but rather enables electronic identity verification so that users can access e-government services at the highest level of trust. In addition, it can be used for on-site data capture to transfer form data seamlessly between parties present in person.

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

The eID card can only be issued to applicants who are 16 years of age or older.

It is issued for a validity period of ten years.

Since May 2, 2025, it has been possible to have the requested eID card mailed to your domestic registered address for an additional fee of €15.00. The package may only be handed over in person to the addressee. For more information on direct delivery, please contact your eID card issuing authority.

Jurisdiction

In the Free State of Bavaria, the (residence) municipalities are the competent eID card authorities. If a person has multiple residences, the primary residence is the determining factor.

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

• Citizens of the European Union or nationals of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area who do not hold German citizenship
• Minimum age: 16 years

• The eID card applicant must submit a formal application to the appropriate municipality.
• To verify their identity, the eID card applicant must, as a general rule, appear in person at the eID card authority.
• If there is any doubt regarding the applicant’s identity, an eID card cannot be issued.

• a recognized and valid foreign passport or national ID card
• If the person is not required to register in Germany: Proof of residence or address

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