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.

As an alternative to visiting the Citizens’ Office in person, the PIN Reset and Activation Service (PRSD) is once again available to you effective immediately. You can order the PIN reset letter online and have it delivered to your home. This free service is available for a limited time and accompanies the launch of the government’s EUDI wallet, “d-you.”

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

• PIN Reset and Activation Service (PRSD) Is Now Available Again
• PIN Reset and Activation Service

  Order a PIN reset letter:

• Online ID function

Please contact the agency that issued your ID card or eID card (e.g., the Citizens' Office, City Hall) or use the PIN Reset and Activation Service (PRSD).

You can activate your online ID at the issuing authority or the relevant ID card or eID card authority. You can set a new PIN at an ID card or eID card issuing authority or on your own using the AusweisApp. The PIN reset and activation service is now available again for this purpose.

Generally, you can do this in person at the ID card or eID card office responsible for your case. It usually takes up to seven business days for the PIN reset letter to be mailed to your German registered address as recorded in your ID document.