German eID Card for EU Citizens: Online ID and Costs

You are an EU citizen living in Germany and a portal asks for strong German online ID. Your home-country card sometimes works, sometimes fails mid-login, and the appointment calendar at the Bürgeramt looks months out.

The German eID card (eID-Karte) is a digital identity card for EU and EEA citizens aged 13 or older (eIDKG Section 8). It activates Germany’s online ID function (Online-Ausweisfunktion) so you can use many government and business portals without going in person every time. The card can be issued from age 13; full use of the online function generally follows Personalausweis rules and is typically activated from age 16.

It is not a travel document. The physical card has no photo, does not print your current address on the face (address data sits in the chip), and you cannot use it instead of a passport or national ID for travel. Non-EU/EEA citizens cannot get this card. For address registration, see Anmeldung.

Why people get one

Fewer login errors. EU rules (eIDAS) can allow a home-country EU ID on some German portals, but compatibility problems are common. The German eID card uses native German infrastructure, which reduces failed logins on federal, state, and local sites.

Online admin without another queue. You can handle many processes online with strong authentication, for example vehicle registration, tax filings, pension updates, and online banking identity checks.

Cost and validity. The card costs €37.00 once and is valid for 10 years. It is not extendable; you apply for a new card when it expires.

Cost, documents, and where to apply

• Who: EU/EEA citizens aged 13+ (card issuance); online function typically from 16+
• Cost: €37.00, valid 10 years
• Where: Local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) in Germany, or a German embassy/consulate abroad
• Documents: Valid EU/EEA passport or national ID; if you live in Germany, proof of registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• What it is not: Travel ID, passport substitute, or photo ID for everyday visual checks

How to apply

1. Book an appointment at your Bürgeramt (or embassy if abroad).
2. Bring your passport or national ID and, if registered in Germany, your Meldebescheinigung.
3. Pay the €37 fee and complete the application.
4. Wait for the card and a separate PIN letter by post.

Processing times vary by office. Apply early if you need online access for a deadline; waiting until a tax or vehicle deadline is how people end up stuck with paper appointments again.

Activation and daily use

After the card arrives, you receive a PIN letter with:

• a 5-digit transport PIN (Transport-PIN)
• a PUK code to unblock the card if needed

Setup steps:

1. Install the official AusweisApp on your smartphone or computer (ausweisapp.de).
2. Use the transport PIN to activate the online function and set your personal 6-digit PIN.
3. For many services, your phone reads the card by NFC (contactless) and you confirm the login on the app.

Keep your 6-digit PIN private. Store the PUK safely in case you lock the card.

Practical tips

• Your home EU ID may still work on some portals, but the eID-Karte is the most reliable option for German systems.
• Update your registered address (Anmeldung) before applying if you have moved; the chip stores address data even though it is not printed on the card.
• If NFC fails, check AusweisApp help pages and whether your phone supports the required security features.
• For banking identification options in general, see Opening a Bank Account in Germany.

Official help: AusweisApp and the online ID function overview.