ID card or eID card; resetting the PIN and activating the online ID function

Since 15.07.2017, the ID card has been issued as standard with an activated online ID function (also known as the eID function) to persons aged 16 and over; since 01.01.2021, EU citizens and nationals of the European Economic Area aged 16 and over can receive eID cards with an electronic proof of identity function. An activated eID function and PIN are required to be able to identify yourself online to companies and authorities.

The one-time PIN (contained in the PIN letter that is handed out when the application is made at the authority) can be replaced with a personal PIN when the document is handed out at the authority or by the person concerned themselves on their smartphone or at a citizen terminal. The online ID card is then ready for use.

If your PIN has been set but forgotten or the PIN letter has been misplaced, you can contact any ID card or eID card authority (e.g. citizens' office, town hall). If the online ID function has not yet been activated, you can contact the issuing or responsible ID card or eID card authority.

The following condition applies to the applicant:

• You are the holder of an ID card or an eID card.

• § Section 20 Ordinance on ID cards, eID cards for EU citizens and nationals of the European Economic Area and electronic proof of identity (ID Card Ordinance - PAuswV)

  Resetting and changing the PIN number

• § Section 21 Ordinance on ID cards, eID cards for EU citizens and nationals of the European Economic Area and electronic proof of identity (ID Card Ordinance - PAuswV)

  Subsequent switching on

• § Section 36b Ordinance on ID cards, eID cards for EU citizens and nationals of the European Economic Area and electronic proof of identity (ID Card Ordinance - PAuswV)

  Applicability to eID card

• The PIN reset and activation service has been suspended
• Online ID function

Please contact your identity card or eID card authority (e.g. citizens' office, town hall).

The online ID card can only be activated by the issuing or responsible authority or a new PIN can only be set by an ID card or eID card authority.

As a rule, directly at your local ID card or eID card authority.