The eID card is a chip card that allows you to prove your identity electronically. With the eID card, you can identify yourself online and, for example, carry out administrative or business transactions digitally.
As a citizen of another member state of the European Union or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway (European Economic Area), you can obtain a German eID card regardless of whether you live in Germany or not.
The online ID function of the eID card offers you, as a citizen of these countries, the same electronic function as the German electronic identity card or the electronic residence permit in Germany. You can apply for the eID card regardless of whether your home country has an eID system or not.
When you use the eID card, you can decide and control for yourself whether and to whom you transmit personal data digitally.
You can apply for the eID card in person at the Citizens' Office in your place of residence.
- Contact your local Citizens’ Office and make an appointment if necessary.
If you wish to apply for your eID card outside of Germany (effective November 1, 2021):
- Contact the Federal Foreign Office and the diplomatic mission in the district where you live.
The municipal administrative authority of your city, association of municipalities, or independent municipality is responsible.
