Request authorization certificate for online ID card function
If you want to use the online ID card function as a providing organization in your own application, you need an authorization certificate.
Description
An authorization certificate is required for every electronic service that can be used with the online ID card, which authorizes the authentication and authentication of users and service providers.
The following can apply for an authorization certificate
- Service providers and
- Identification service providers
- On-site service providers
A distinction is made between the following authorizations:
- Proof of identity vis-à-vis online service providers,
- on-site reading at service providers and
- Proof of identity vis-à-vis identification service providers.
Proof of identity for online service providers
The authorization certificate gives you permission to request and process data from ID cards to identify the holder. The authorization certificate and the verified electronic keys enable technical access. This allows you to integrate the online ID function as a digital means of identification in your own online service or in a vending machine or terminal.
In your application, you must explain why you are interested in using the online ID function and how you will use the personal data of the ID card holder. You must also ensure that the data is adequately protected.
On-site reading by service providers
Wherever personal data such as name and address are to be transferred to a form, an on-site readout is recommended. The data is read and transferred electronically.
The ID card holder is present in person. The holder of the authorization must identify the ID card holder using the printed photo and their personal details before the data is read out.
In the case of on-site reading, the PIN does not need to be entered by the cardholder. It is replaced by the entry or technical recording of the access number (Card Access Number - CAN) on the front of the ID card by the holder of the authorization.
Proof of identity vis-à-vis identification service providers
Companies and authorities can use a certified third-party service for proof of identity. The so-called identification service providers make the data from the use of the online ID function available to companies and authorities in individual cases. Identification service providers must apply for the authorization and the authorization certificate instead of the service providers.
You must also have your service certified by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). The authorizations are valid for a maximum of 3 years. In the event of a breach of the declaration made and the law, they can be withdrawn immediately at any time.
Note: As the applicant organization, you must commission the authorization certificate provider (BerCA) yourself. This means: On the basis of the positive authorization decision from the Federal Office of Administration (BVA), you conclude a contract directly with the authorization certificate provider (BerCA) for the technical procurement of the authorization certificate and the revocation lists.
Online services
After the application: submit information or documents
Description
Use this service online
Trust level
You need an electronic ID card with a PIN to use the service (trust level: high).
further information on the level of trust for online services
Identification
- electronic identification using national eID means - identity card
- electronic identification using notified eID means of other EU member states – eIDAS Connector
After the application: Withdraw the application
Description
Use this service online
Trust level
You need an electronic ID card with a PIN to use the service (trust level: high).
further information on the level of trust for online services
Identification
- electronic identification using national eID means - identity card
- electronic identification using notified eID means of other EU member states – eIDAS Connector
After the decision: lodging an appeal as a person on behalf of an organization
Description
Use this service online
Trust level
You need an electronic ID card with a PIN to use the service (trust level: high).
further information on the level of trust for online services
Identification
- electronic identification using national eID means - identity card
- electronic identification using notified eID means of other EU member states – eIDAS Connector
After the decision: lodging an appeal as an organization
Description
Use this service online
Trust level
You need an Elster certificate with password to use this online service (trust level: substantial).
further information on the level of trust for online services
Identification
- electronic identification using national eID means – software certificate
Application: Authorization certificate for online ID function
Description
Use this service online
Trust level
You need an electronic ID card with a PIN to use the service (trust level: high).
further information on the level of trust for online services
Identification
- electronic identification using national eID means - identity card
- electronic identification using notified eID means of other EU member states – eIDAS Connector
Contact person
Bundesverwaltungsamt (BVA), Vergabestelle für Berechtigungszertifikate
Address
address
Opening hours
Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Contact
telephone: +49 228 99358-33100
e-mail: npa@bva.bund.de
Internet
Required documents
When submitting your application, you must submit:
- Application form (completed and signed)
- Privacy policy
- Extract from the Commercial Register (for e-business only)
- Description of the interest in authorization on which the application is based
- For comprehension purposes, you can depict your business process using a flowchart and attach it to the application.
- If you are using a technical service company, please attach the contract.
- Certificate from the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) (identification service providers only)
Prerequisites
Be able to apply for an authorization certificate:
- Service providers
- Identification service provider
- On-site service providers
Further requirements:
- Requirements for service providers for your acquisition of an authorization:
- Communicate and prove the identity of the service provider,
- Description of the interest in an authorization on which the application is based, in particular the planned organization-related use
- Proof of data protection and security measures
- There must be no evidence of misuse of the authorization
- Special requirements for identification service providers:
- Certificate from the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) confirming compliance with the requirements
- You also need your own eID server or a service company as an eID service provider or
- suitable software,
- a reader for on-site reading and
- a suitable integration of the ID card application into your website or background system.
Basis for legal action
Legal remedy
- Objection
- Administrative court action
Procedure
You must apply for the authorization certificate in writing or online at the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).
Written application:
- Go to the BVA website and fill in the application form electronically.
- Print out the completed form and sign it.
- Send the completed and signed form together with all other required documents by post to the issuing office for authorization certificates.
- The issuing office will check your application.
- You will then receive by post
- proof of authorization or
- a notification of rejection
- or a request for a new application
Online application:
- Go to the website of the federal portal and complete the application form electronically.
- Note: You will need your ID card with PIN number to use the online function
- Attach the other required documents as a scan.
- Submit your application.
- The issuing office will check your application.
- You will then receive either by post or in your BundID digital inbox
- proof of authorization or
- a notification of rejection
- (or a request to submit a new application)
- You must then select an authorization certificate provider (BerCA) for the provision of authorization certificates and can then conclude a contract on the basis of the positive authorization decision.
- You can now operate your own eID server or select a service provider as an eID service provider.
You can also use the federal portal to submit additional information or documents for an existing application, withdraw your application or lodge an objection to a decision.
Note: eID service providers can support you with the procurement of certificates for a fee and provide the complete infrastructure.
Deadlines
Period of validity: 3 years (Validity of the authorization certificate)
Processing time
1 to 2 weeks (Issuance of an authorization certificate Note: Contract negotiations between you as the service provider and the authorization certificate provider (BerCA) should begin early so that you can use the certificate in good time.)
Costs
Issuance of an authorization: Fee 102,00 EUR
Rejected eligibility request: Fee 80,00 EUR
Withdrawal or revocation of an authorization: Fee 115,00 EUR
Notes (specifics)
There are no clues or specifics.
Further Information
Area of validity
Germany-wide
Official approval
Officially approved by Federal Office of Administration (BVA) on 21.10.2025
Keywords
Identity card, authenticate, Perso, Authorization certificate, On-site authorization, Identity document, Certificates, electronic identity card, BVA, Proof of identity, eID card, Electronic residence permit, authenticate, Authentication, Certificate