Facts about the new identity card - Der neue Personalausweis

Facts about the 

new identity card

The new identity card 

Contents 

At a glance .......................................................................... 4 

In detail .............................................................................. 6 

Photographs ....................................................................... 8 

New ID card, new possibilities ..........................................10 

Special functions ............................................................... 11 

The online function ...........................................................12 

Reader and software .........................................................14 

The PIN letter ....................................................................15 

The signature function .......................................................16 

Data protection, security and control ................................17 

If your ID card is lost .........................................................18 

Safe use of the new functions ......................................... 20 

Answers to your questions ............................................... 22 

Fees .................................................................................. 23 

Passports in a nutshell 

E-passport ......................................................................... 24 

Temporary passport .......................................................... 26 

Child passport .................................................................. 28 

Information service and reporting hotline .........................31 

3

At a glance 

What is new? 

• smart card format 

• postal code 

• integrated chip 

• online function for Internet applications and vending 

machines (from the age of 16, if requested) 

• digital photograph and optional fingerprints to accurately 

identify the cardholder 

• qualified electronic signature (to be added separately) 

• advanced security features and special protection of 

biometric data 

• logo on the back of the ID card (specifies functions and 

accessories) 

Further information is available online at www.personal 

ausweisportal.de or via the telephone information service 

at +49 (0)1801 333 333. (Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. 

to 8 p.m. CET; 3.9 ct/minute from German landlines, max. 

42 ct/minute from mobile phones, also available from abroad). 

Who can obtain the identity card? 

German citizens over 16. Children and youths under 16 may 

obtain an identity card without the online function. 

How much does the identity card cost? 

For persons aged 24 and over: 28.80 euros (valid for ten 

years); for persons under 25: 22.80 euros (valid for six years). 

4

Which documents must be presented with the 

application? 

A recent photograph and a valid identity document (e.g. old 

identity card, passport, child identity card, child passport or 

birth certificate). Applicants under 16 require consent from both 

legal guardians or, if there is only one legal guardian, that person 

has to present proof of the right of custody. 

Photograph requirements 

• the photograph must be of a recent date 

• the face must be centred within the frame in full front view, 

i.e. not in half-profile 

• the eyes must be open and clearly visible 

• the mouth must be shut; the facial expression must be 

neutral 

Further information is available at www.personalausweisportal.de/ 

fotomustertafel. 

Can the online function be activated at a later date? 

As long as the ID card is valid your local government services 

office may activate or deactivate the online function at any 

time. A fee of six euros is charged for later activation. Deactivation 

is free of charge. 

Are the fingerprints stored? 

Fingerprints are provided voluntarily and stored only on the 

ID card, not in registers or databases. Only public authorities 

have the right and technical means to retrieve this information. 

5

In detail 

The following data are stored on the ID card chip and may be 

transmitted through the online function with the cardholder’s 

authorisation: 

• family name and given names 

• date and place of birth 

• address and postal code 

• if applicable: religious order or artistic name 

• if applicable: doctoral degree 

In addition, the online function transmits information on whether 

the ID card is valid or blocked. 

The following data are stored solely for the purpose of identity 

checks by public authorities: 

• digital photograph 

• serial number 

If requested by the cardholder, fingerprints may be stored 

solely for the purpose of identity checks by public authorities. 

Data that are always stored include: 

• personal signature 

• height 

• eye colour 

At the cardholder’s request, the identity card authority will fully 

deactivate the online function or upload a certificate for the 

qualified electronic signature (available from certification service 

providers, see page 16). 

6

Photograph 

Last day 

of validity 

Doctoral degree, 

family name, 

given names 

Date and 

place of birth 

Issuing 

authority Address 

Machine-readable zone 

Chip 

Religious order 

or artistic name 

IDD = identity card of the Federal Republic of Germany, 

serial number, date of birth, last day of validity, check 

digits, blanks, family name, given name) 

Serial number 

Nationality 

Card access 

number 

Logo 

7

Photographs 

The same rules apply to the photograph of the new identity 

card as to the current passport: 

• the photograph must be of a recent date 

• the face must be centred within the frame in full front view, 

i.e. not in half-profile 

• the eyes must be open and clearly visible 

• the mouth must be shut; the facial expression must be neutral 

Exceptions are possible, e.g. for medical reasons. Further 

information is available at www.personalausweisportal.de/ 


Please note: The photograph is the only mandatory biometric 

feature stored on the ID card chip. Any other biometric data, 

including the personal signature, height and eye colour, are 

only printed on the card. 

Fingerprints 

At the applicant’s request, two fingerprints may be stored on 

the ID card chip. If the ID card is stolen, for example, they offer 

greater protection from identity fraud because it is easier to 

establish whether an ID card is presented by its true holder. 

Fingerprints are stored only on the ID card, not in registers or 

databases. 

Please note: Only public authorities such as the police, 

customs administration, passport and ID card authorities, and 

registration authorities have the right and technical means to 

retrieve the photograph and fingerprints. Transmission through 

the online function is not possible. 

8

The person must look straight into the camera with a neutral facial expression 

and the mouth shut. 

The background must be monochrome and bright (preferably neutral grey). 

No shadows may be visible in the background. 

The eyes must be open and clearly visible. Reflections from glasses, tinted 

glasses or sunglasses are not permitted. The glass frames must not cover 

the eyes. 

9

New ID card, new possibilities 

The new ID card continues to be used for police and border 

controls. The new online function (or eID function) is an additional 

tool for simple, secure and paperless communication on 

the Internet between cardholder, administrations and business- 

es without a long wait. 

The online world is increasingly becoming an important part 

of our daily lives. However, some transactions could not be 

concluded via the Internet because the identity card had to be 

produced as a proof of identity and age. Moreover, many online 

services require different passwords, user names and card 

access numbers. There was no standard proof of identity for 

the online world. The new ID card closes this gap. 

The ID card chip can transmit required data using secure 

encrypted connections as soon as the cardholder authorises 

such transmission by entering a PIN. Authorisation certificates 

control which personal data may be transmitted to providers of 

Internet applications and administrative services. 

Compared to previous registration procedures on the Internet 

identifying users by a combination of user name and password, 

the new ID card increases security: users must not only know 

the six-digit PIN but also be in possession of the ID card, which 

makes identity theft and fraud much more difficult. 

10

Special functions 

In addition to the online function, the ID card has further 

optional functions. 

Access under pseudonym 

The ID card is able to generate a service- and card-specific feature 

which the cardholder can use to register with Internet services 

under a pseudonym without transmitting personal data such as 

name and address. Nevertheless, the feature allows a provider 

to identify the cardholder upon each login. However, the feature 

cannot be used to establish connections to other services used 

with the ID card. 

Proof of age and residency 

Some services and applications only require information about 

the cardholder’s age and place of residence. Instead of transmitting 

the full date of birth for these purposes, the new ID card 

indicates only whether a certain age (e.g. 16 or 18) has been 

reached or not. If a service is available in only one federal state 

or in a specific city, the ID card transmits a simple “yes” or “no” 

instead of the full address to confirm that the cardholder lives 

in a certain place. 

In addition, cardholders may choose to use the ID card’s qualified 

electronic signature for signing legally binding contracts and 

certificates on the Internet (see page 16). 

11

The online function 

Required personal data may be electronically transmitted using 

the online function. This kind of data transmission does not 

affect the conclusion of a contract as such; the rules for online 

business continue to apply. This is how electronic identification 

would work in an online shop: 

12 

You select an item you want to purchase in an online 

shop. To conclude the contract, send you an invoice 

and deliver the products, the online shop needs your 

family name, given name and address. These data may 

be transmitted using the online function. 

To this end, you can view the online shop’s authorisation 

certificate including information on the shop, validity 

and the required data. By entering your six-digit PIN 

you agree to the data transmission. You may also 

choose to exclude certain data from transmission. 

The ID card chip will verify the online shop’s author- 

isation certificate. The data you agreed to transmit will 

then be encrypted and transmitted to the online shop. 

The online shop’s system will then check whether your 

ID card is valid and not blocked. 

The online shop receives your data. Usually you will be 

able to view them once again. As before, the purchase 

is concluded by a separate action of consent, e.g. the 

“Send order” button.

Reader and software 

To use the online function with your own computer you will need 

a reader and driver software. 

Reader 

The reader retrieves the selected data from the chip and transmits 

them to the provider after the cardholder enters the sixdigit 

PIN. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) recommends 

using certified readers with the ID card logo. There are 

different types of readers: 

• Standard and deluxe readers with a separate keyboard for 

entering the PIN. Deluxe readers are necessary to use the 

signature function. 

• Basic readers where the PIN is entered via the computer or 

on-screen keyboard. 

Software 

The software, e.g. the “AusweisApp” ID card application, is used 

to connect the ID card to the computer and exchange encrypted 

data through the reader. The “AusweisApp” can be downloaded 

free of charge at www.ausweisapp.bund.de. 

14

The PIN letter 

The procedure is similar to that of cash and credit cards: after 

applying for the ID card, the applicant receives a PIN letter with 

a five-digit activation PIN, the PUK and a blocking code to use 

the online function. 

Changing the activation PIN to the personal PIN 

The five-digit activation PIN (or transport PIN) must be replaced 

with a personal six-digit PIN before using the online function for 

the first time, either by using a reader at home or at the ID card 

authority (free of charge when collecting the ID card). The online 

function cannot be used without a personal six-digit PIN. 

PUK 

The online function is blocked if the personal PIN was entered 

incorrectly three times in a row. It can be unblocked by entering 

the PUK. 

Blocking code 

The blocking code is used when the ID card is lost and the 

online function must be blocked (see page 18). 

15

The signature function 

The qualified electronic signature is used to sign legally binding 

contracts or documents, as well as statements and applications 

which must be filed with public authorities in writing to be legally 

binding. 

The electronic signature replaces the handwritten signature. 

It can also be used to verify whether documents have been 

changed after they have been electronically signed. Unlike the 

online function, the signature function can be used to make 

legally binding declarations of intent, e.g. to conclude contracts 

or provide an authorisation. 

Signature certificate and deluxe reader 

A signature certificate, a signature PIN and a deluxe reader with 

PIN keyboard are required to use the new ID card’s signature 

function. 

A signature certificate can be obtained from a certificate service 

provider and uploaded to the ID card (see www.nrca-ds.de). 

16

Data protection, security and control 

The new ID card offers maximum security of personal data and 

full control over data transmission. 

Unlike simple radio chips used on key cards and ski passes, 

for example, the ID card does not send the data stored on its 

chip to any arbitrary reading device. Before transmitting data, 

the chip verifies whether the requesting provider or authority is 

authorised to read these data, which data should be transmitted 

and whether the cardholder agreed to data transmission. 

Data are encrypted for each transmission. All information and 

transmissions are protected through recognised and established 

international technical procedures. Moreover, despite its radio 

chip the ID card must be physically in contact with the reader so 

that data cannot be read from a remote position. 

This ensures greater security, in particular on the Internet: only 

persons holding the ID card and knowing the PIN can author- 

ise the transmission of data. Cardholders retain full control 

and know at all times to whom they are revealing their identity 

since each provider must be officially authorised. Ultimately, 

it is the cardholder who decides whether to transmit data and 

to whom. 

17

If your ID card is lost 

24-hour reporting hotline 

+49 (0)1801 333 333 

(3.9 ct/minute from German landlines, 

max. 42 ct/minute from mobile phones) 

When an ID card with activated online function is stolen or lost, 

the online function must be blocked as quickly as possible. 

This can be done in your local government services office or 

via the 24-hour reporting hotline +49 (0)1801 333 333 (3.9 ct/ 

minute from German landlines, max. 42 ct/minute from mobile 

phones, also available from abroad). 

To block the online function, cardholders will be asked to provide 

their family name, given name, date of birth and the blocking 

code. This information can be found in the PIN letter. Further 

information is available at www.personalausweisportal.de/ 

verlustfall. 

Please note: Cardholders are obliged to report lost ID cards, 

with or without online function, to the responsible identity card 

authority. 

Blocking the signature function 

If the ID card’s electronic signature is used, the certificate must 

be blocked separately by the respective provider. 

18

20 

Safe use of the new functions 

Please take care of your new ID card and its new functions 

in the same way as you would care for your cash or credit 

card by applying the following rules: 

• Always keep your ID card safe. Do not leave it unattended 

where others may access it. 

• Do not reveal your PIN to anyone. If you write down or 

record your PIN, you should never keep it with your ID 

card, e.g. in your purse. Never write the PIN on your card. 

• If you lose your ID card you must block the online 

function, if activated, as quickly as possible. This can 

be done by your identity card authority or the 24-hour 

reporting hotline (see page 18).

Please also follow the instructions for safe use of the ID 

card with your own computer: 

• Regularly update your anti-virus software, firewall, 

operating system and software (e.g. AusweisApp). Install 

the providers’ security updates. 

• Regularly change your PIN. Your PIN should not be a 

sequence of numbers that is printed on the card (e.g. 

the date of birth or card access number) or that can be easily 

guessed (e.g. 123456). 

Further information 

Further information is available at www.bsi-fuer-buerger.de. 

On this website, the Federal Office for Information Security 

(BSI) provides information about risks on the Internet 

and tips for using the Internet safely. 

21

Answers to your questions 

Will old ID cards remain valid? 

Old ID cards remain valid until they expire. However, the old ID 

card can be exchanged for the new card at any time. 

What are the requirements for the photograph? 

Photographs must show full frontal view, not half-profile. The 

face must be centred within the frame. The eyes must be open, 

the mouth shut and the facial expression neutral. Further information 

is available at www.personalausweisportal.de/ 


What are fingerprints used for? 

Applicants may choose to store two fingerprints on the ID card 

chip as an additional security feature. The fingerprints are not 

stored in registers or databases, and may be used only by public 

authorities such as the police, customs administration, passport 

and identity card authorities, and registration authorities to 

verify the ID card’s authenticity and the cardholder’s identity. 

What if the ID card is stolen or lost? 

See page 18. 

Will I have to apply for a new ID card 

when moving house? 

After relocation, local government services offices change the 

address on the ID card free of charge by updating the data on 

the chip and applying a sticker with the new address on the 

back of the ID card. 

22

Fees 

ID card application fees as at 1 November 2010 

Applicant aged 24 and over 28.80 euros 

(valid for 10 years) 

Applicant aged under 24 22.80 euros 

(valid for 6 years) 

Temporary ID card 10 euros 

Other fees 

First activation of the online function 

when issuing the card or upon reaching 

age 16 free of charge 

Later activation of the online function 6 euros 

Deactivating the online function free of charge 

Changing the PIN at the card issuing 

office (e.g. PIN forgotten)* 6 euros 

Changing the address after moving 

house 

free of charge 

Blocking the online function when the 

card is lost free of charge 

Unblocking the online function 6 euros 

Electronic signature certificate as determined 

by the provider 

* Cardholders may change their PIN at any time using their own 

card reader. 

23

Passports in 

a nutshell E-passport 

(electronic passport) 

24

Who can obtain the passport? 

As a rule, all persons over 12. Upon request, an e-passport 

may be issued also to children under 12. However, no finger- 

prints are taken for children under six. 

Which documents must be presented 

with the application? 

A recent photograph and a valid identity document (e.g. old 

passport or identity card for first-time applications, child 

passport, child identity card or birth certificate). 

Photograph and fingerprints 

Photograph: see page 8. Further information is available at 

www.personalausweisportal.de/fotomustertafel. 

Fingerprints: two fingerprints are captured when applying 

for the e-passport. Fingerprints are stored only on the 

passport, not in registers or databases. They can be retrieved 

only by public authorities. 

Fees and validity 

Passports issued to persons over 24 cost 59 euros (valid 

for ten years) and 37.50 euros for persons under 24 (valid 

for six years). 

25

Passports in 

a nutshell 

26 

Temporary 

passport


A temporary passport is issued only in individual cases, for 

example if a passport is needed immediately and a regular 

passport cannot be issued before it is needed for the first 

time. 

Which documents must be presented 

with the application? 

A recent photograph and a valid identity document (e.g. 

old passport or identity card, child passport, child identity 

card or birth certificate). Passport agencies may require 

documents such as airline tickets for an imminent journey to 

prove the immediate need. 


See page 8. Further information is available at 



26 euros (valid for one year). 

Please note: 

The temporary passport cannot be used for visa-free travel 

to the United States of America. 

27

Passports in 

a nutshell 

28 

Child passport


Children under 12. 

Which documents must be presented with 

the application? 

A recent photograph and a valid identity document (e.g. 

old child passport, child identity card or birth certificate 

and consent from both legal guardians or, if there is only 

one legal guardian, that person has to present proof of the 

right of custody). 


See page 8. Further information is available at 



13 euros (valid for six years) and six euros for extending 

validity (up to the twelfth birthday). 

Special note 

As of 1 January 2006 the former child passport is no longer 

issued or renewed. As of 1 November 2007 children can no 

longer be endorsed on their parents’ passport. However, it 

will be possible to apply for a child identity card (e.g. for 

travelling within the EU). 

Please note: 

The child passport cannot be used for visa-free travel to 

the United States of America. 

29

Information service and 

reporting hotline 

The information service (from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. 

to 8 p.m. CET) and the 24-hour reporting hotline are available on 

+49 (0)1801 333 333 (3.9 ct/minute from German landlines, max. 

42 ct/minute from mobile phones, also available from abroad). 

Further information is available at www.personalausweisportal.de/ 

buergerservice. 

Mail order 

This brochure may be ordered free of charge from: 

Publikationsversand der Bundesregierung 

Postfach 48 10 09 // 18132 Rostock 

Phone: +49 (0)1805 778 090 // Fax: +49 (0)1805 778 094 

publikationen@bundesregierung.de 

Article No.: BMI10004 

Personal data provided when ordering the publication will be 

deleted upon delivery. 

This brochure has been published free of charge as part of the public information 

work of the Federal Ministry of the Interior. It may not be used by any political party, 

candidate or campaign workers during an election campaign for purposes of cam- 

paign advertising. This applies to elections at the European, federal, state and local 

levels. In particular, distributing this publication at campaign events or at information 

stands of political parties, or inserting, stamping or attaching to it any political infor- 

mation or advertising constitutes misuse. Nor may it be passed on to third parties for 

purposes of campaign advertising. Regardless of when, by what means and in what 

quantities this publication was delivered to the recipient, even without reference to 

any upcoming election, it may not be used in a manner that could be construed as 

bias by the Federal Government on behalf of any individual political group. 

31

Published by 

Bundesministerium des Innern // 11014 Berlin 

Organisation: Federal Ministry of the Interior 

English translation by Translation Service of the 

Federal Ministry of the Interior 

www.bmi.bund.de // www.cio.bund.de 

www.personalausweisportal.de 

5th edition // Last update: November 2010 

Photo credits Federal Ministry of the Interior

Facts about the new identity card - Der neue Personalausweis

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?