Activate ID card with online ID function

With the one-time PIN that you receive in an envelope when you apply for your ID card, you can make the online ID function ready for use.

Your ID card is equipped with a chip. This means that you can also use the ID card online. If you make the online ID function operational by setting a six-digit PIN of your choice, you can use it to identify yourself online for online government services and other digital services, for example:

• Apply for BAföG
• Activate your SIM card
• Use the services of the German Pension Insurance
• identify yourself with PostIdent
• Register your home
• Apply for a registration certificate

If you apply for a new ID card and you are at least 16 years old, you can use the online ID card function. You will receive the required PIN (personal identification number), the unblocking number and further information in a sealed envelope when you apply for the ID document at the authority.

To be able to identify yourself online, you must set a six-digit PIN of your choice.

• You can change your PIN at any time via the app or at the authority.
• If you have forgotten your PIN, you can set a new PIN at your local authority.

With the PUK (Personal Unlock Key), also known as the unlock number, you can unlock your PIN after entering it incorrectly three times. However, you can only use the PUK to re-enter the correct PIN. Otherwise, contact your ID card authority.

If you are under the age of 16 at the time of application, the online ID card is deactivated. Activation is only possible after your 16th birthday. This is done free of charge at the authority. If your ID card was issued before July 2017, the online ID function may be deactivated because this function was optional at the time. You can have this function activated free of charge at your local authority.

• ID card
• ID card app and smartphone that is NFC-capable (Near Field Communication) or card reader
• Five-digit one-time PIN
• Self-selected, six-digit PIN

• You have a German identity card.
• You are at least 16 years old.

You can use your online ID card as soon as you set a six-digit PIN of your choice. There are several ways to do this:

• You can set a six-digit PIN yourself via an app for the online ID card or via a citizen terminal. To do this, you will need the one-time PIN from the PIN letter that you receive when you apply for your ID card.
• Set your own six-digit PIN directly at the Citizens' Registration Office when you collect your ID card.

Have you forgotten your PIN or used the PUK number to unblock your PIN too often?

• If you subsequently want to reset your PIN or apply for a new one, you can have a new PIN set free of charge at your local Citizens' Registration Office.

There is no deadline.

If the one-time PIN is available, processing takes about 5 minutes.

There are no costs.

• If parents apply for an ID card for young children and they do not reach the age of 16 during the period of validity of the card, the PIN letter does not have to be kept.
• You must report the loss or theft of your ID card to the police or authorities. The online ID function will then be blocked automatically.
• You will receive a blocking password from the authorities, which you can use to block the online function.

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.