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Description of the
Nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of a signatory state to the Agreement on the European Economic Area who are not Germans within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law will be issued a card with an electronic proof of identity function (eID card) on request.
The eID card is not an identity document in the traditional sense, but enables electronic proof of identity in order to utilise eGovernment services at the highest level of trust. It can also be used for on-site reading for the purpose of transferring form data between people present without media discontinuity.
As the eID card is designed exclusively for online use and does not serve as an identity document or travel document, the eID card does not contain data such as a photograph, signature, size and eye colour. Certain data (such as address and nationality) is only stored on the electronic storage medium (chip).
The eID card can only be issued to applicants aged 16 and over.
It is issued for a period of validity of ten years.
Since 2 May 2025, it has been possible to have your eID card sent to your registered address in Germany for an additional fee of €15.00. The card must be handed over in person to the addressee. For further information on direct delivery, please contact your eID card issuing authority.
Responsibility
In the Free State of Bavaria, the (residential) municipalities are the responsible eID card authorities. If there is more than one residence, the main residence is to be used as the basis.
If the person is not required to register, the eID card authority in whose district the person resides at the time of the application or the event triggering the official activity is responsible.
Prerequisites
- EU citizens or nationals of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area and does not have German citizenship
- Minimum age: 16 years
Required documents
a recognised and valid foreign passport or identity card
if the person is not required to register in Germany: proof of residence or addressCosts
- Fee for issuing an eID card: EUR 37.00
- Direct dispatch of an eID card: EUR 15.00
Legal basis
- §§ Sections 1 - 8 and 12 of the Act on a Card for EU Citizens and Nationals of the European Economic Area with Electronic Proof of Identity Function (eID Card Act - eIDKG)
- § Section 1 Ordinance on Fees for ID Cards and eID Cards for EU Citizens and Nationals of the European Economic Area (ID Card and eID Card Fee Ordinance - PAuswGebV)
Fees
- § Section 8b Competence Ordinance (ZustV)
Responsibility of the municipalities for issuing eID cards (eID Card Act)
Further links
- Information on the eID card
- eID cards abroad
- English flyer "SECURE, SIMPLE, DIGITAL The eID card for citizens of the EU and the EEA"
- eID flyer "SECURE; SIMPLE; DIGITAL The online ID card"
- Online appointment booking
Make an appointment quickly and easily at our residents' registration office!
Procedure
- The eID card applicant must submit a formal application to the relevant municipality.
- To verify their identity, eID card applicants must always appear in person at the eID card authority.
- If there is any doubt about the identity of the person making the application, no eID card can be issued.
Processing time
For technical production reasons, the production time can take between four and several weeks. Please contact your local eID card authority for information on the current average production time.