The online ID card allows you to perform digitally offered administrative and business services online. Online ID is possible through a chip in your ID card, provided that the online ID card is activated. Since 2017, this chip has been activated as standard in ID cards for citizens who were older than 16 years when applying.

If you are applying for a new identity card and you are older than 16 years, you can simply activate the online ID card yourself by setting your self-selected six-digit PIN. You will receive all information by post in your so-called "PIN letter". You can set your self-chosen, six-digit PIN when you pick up your ID card and later at the Bürgeramt or in apps for the online ID card, such as the AusweisApp2.

If the online ID card is not activated (IDs issued before July 2017 at the request of the applicant) or if you were not yet 16 years old at the time of issue, you will need the assistance of your competent authority with the activation. Please contact your authority for an appointment. You must bring your ID with you to the appointment.

With your online ID card, for example, you can:

• Apply for BAföG online,
• Activate your SIM card online,
• Use online services of the German Pension Insurance around your insurance account and
• identify with PostIdent via the PostIdent app