Apply for eID card

The eID card is a chip card that you can use to prove your identity electronically. It is not an identity document in the traditional sense, but enables electronic proof of identity in order to be able to use eGovernment services at the highest level of trust.

You can obtain the German eID card as a citizen of another member state of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (European Economic Area) - regardless of whether you live in Germany or not.

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 color. Certain data (such as address and nationality) is only stored on the electronic storage medium (chip).

The online ID function of the eID card offers you, as a citizen of these countries, the same electronic function as the German electronic ID 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. If you use the eID card, you can decide and control yourself whether and to whom you transmit personal data digitally.

The eID card can only be issued to applicants aged 16 and over. It is issued for a period of validity of 10 years.

The eID card can be applied for at the relevant municipality with a formal application.

To verify identity, the eID card applicant must always appear in person at the eID card authority.

In the Free State of Thuringia, the (residential) municipalities are the responsible eID card authorities. If you have more than one residence, please contact the municipality in which you have your main residence.

If the person is not required to register, the eID authority in whose district the person lives at the time of the application or the event triggering the official action is responsible.

If you want to apply for your eID card outside of Germany (from November 1, 2021), please contact the Federal Foreign Office and the diplomatic mission abroad in the district where you live.

You are

• at least 16 years old and
• a citizen of another state of the European Union, or
• a citizen of another state of the European Economic Area.

• recognized and valid foreign passport or identity card or other identity document issued and valid by your home country.
• If you have moved to Germany and have not yet registered, you must first register at a German registration office (usually: Bürgeramt). You can ask your registration office which documents are necessary for the registration.
• if the person is not subject to registration in Germany: Proof of residence or address

• Fee for issuing an eID card: EUR 37.00
• When sending the PIN letter abroad: reimbursement of expenses

There are no deadlines to be observed.

For production-related reasons, the production time can take between four and several weeks. Please inform yourself about the current average production time at the responsible eID card authority

• Objection. Detailed information on how to file an objection can be found in the notification of your application for the eID card.
• Action before the Administrative Court

Forms: no

Online procedure possible: no

Written form required: no

Personal appearance required: yes

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Thuringian Ministry of the Interior and Local Affairs

04.11.2021