electronic proof of identity activation for the first time

You want to have the online ID card of your ID card activated? You can reset your PIN or activate the online ID card function free of charge. You can do this at your ID card office or online.

Since 15.07.2017, the identity card has been issued as standard with activated online ID function (also called eID function) to persons aged 16 and over; eID cards can be obtained by EU citizens and nationals of the European Economic Area aged 16 and over with electronic proof of identity function since 01.01.2021. In order to be able to identify oneself online with companies and authorities, an activated eID function and the PIN are required.

If your own PIN has been set but forgotten, or if you have misplaced your PIN letter, or if the online ID function has not yet been activated, you can either

• use the electronic PIN reset and activation service (currently still in a first beta version) or
• contact your ID card or eID card authority.

With the help of the PIN reset service, holders of an ID card or eID card who have a registration address in Germany can reset the PIN of their online ID card themselves. Holders of an ID card with a German registration address can also activate the online ID card themselves. Since eID cards can only ever be applied for from the age of 16 with an activated online ID card, this activation service is only available for the ID card that persons who are not yet required to have an ID card can also possess, but without an activated online ID card, or which may have been issued with a deactivated eID function before July 15, 2017 due to the option available at that time.

Please contact your identity card authority.

Please contact your identity card authority.

• Identity card

Personal appearance: yes (representation not possible)

Online procedure: possible

Written form: no

Forms: no

The following requirements apply to the person applying:

• You are the holder of an ID card or an eID card.
• When using the PIN reset and activation service:
  • Have a current registered address in Germany.
  • You require a suitable smartphone or reader.
  • ID card app2 must be installed.

You can request the PIN reset letter online.

You receive the letter in person via "POSTIDENT" delivery or pick it up at a post office branch within seven working days. In both cases, you identify yourself with an official and valid identification document (ID card or passport). For security reasons, the letter will then be delivered by mail as "registered mail, hand-delivered" to the registration address in Germany stored in the chip of the ID card or eID card.

You can also contact the identity card or eID card authority.

Delivery of the PIN reset letter by "POSTIDENT" to the German registration address. This takes up to seven working days.

There are no fees to pay.