On July 8th, 2017, the law to promote electronic proof of identity came into force. Identity cards are now always issued with a function for electronic proof of identity (online function), unless the applicant is not yet 16 years old at the time the application is submitted (see Section 10 (1) PAuswG).

The possibility of receiving the ID card with the online function switched on or off is no longer available with this new regulation. ID cards are only produced and issued with the online function switched on. It is no longer permitted to deactivate the online function.

You can find information about the ID card and how to activate and use the online function on the ID card portal and in the Federal Ministry of the Interior’s brochure on the ID card.