Service content
Description of the
Since 15 July 2017, the ID card has been issued as standard with an activated online ID function (also known as the eID function) to persons aged 16 and over; since 1 January 2021, EU citizens and nationals of the European Economic Area aged 16 and over can receive eID cards with an electronic proof of identity function. An activated eID function and PIN are required to be able to identify yourself online to companies and authorities.
The one-time PIN (contained in the PIN letter that is handed out when the application is made at the authority) can be replaced with a personal PIN when the document is handed out at the authority or by the person concerned on their smartphone or at a citizen terminal. The online ID card is then ready for use.
If your PIN has been set but forgotten or the PIN letter has been misplaced, you can contact any ID card or eID card authority (e.g. citizens' office, town hall). If the online ID function has not yet been activated, you can contact the issuing or responsible ID card or eID card authority.
As an alternative to visiting the Citizens’ Office in person, the PIN Reset and Activation Service (PRSD) is once again available to you with immediate effect. The PIN reset letter can be ordered online and delivered to your home. This free service is available for a limited period and accompanies the launch of the government’s EUDI wallet, ‘d-you’.
Prerequisites
The following condition applies to the applicant:
- You are the holder of an ID card or an eID card.
Required documents
Identity card or eID cardCosts
noneLegal basis
- § Section 20 Ordinance on Identity Cards, eID Cards for EU Citizens and Nationals of the European Economic Area and Electronic Proof of Identity (Identity Card Ordinance - PAuswV)
Resetting and changing the PIN number
- § Section 21 Ordinance on Identity Cards, eID Cards for EU Citizens and Nationals of the European Economic Area and Electronic Proof of Identity (Identity Card Ordinance - PAuswV)
Subsequent switching on
- § Section 36b Ordinance on Identity Cards, eID Cards for EU Citizens and Nationals of the European Economic Area and Electronic Proof of Identity (Identity Card Ordinance - PAuswV)
Applicability to eID card
- § Section 20 Ordinance on Identity Cards, eID Cards for EU Citizens and Nationals of the European Economic Area and Electronic Proof of Identity (Identity Card Ordinance - PAuswV)
Further links
Procedure
Please contact the authority responsible for your identity card or eID card (e.g. the Citizens’ Bureau or Town Hall), or use the PIN Reset and Activation Service (PRSD).
Notes
The online ID can be activated at the issuing authority or the relevant identity card or eID card authority. You can set a new PIN at an identity card or eID card office, or do so yourself via the AusweisApp. The PIN reset and activation service is now available again for this purpose.
Processing time
Usually, you can do this in person at the ID card or eID card office responsible for your area. It usually takes up to seven working days for the PIN reset letter to be sent to your German registered address as recorded on your ID document.