The ID card with eid function at a glance

The ID card with eid function at a glance

New possibilities, more security Since 1 November 2010, Germany has been issuing the new ID card in smart card format and with a chip. With this chip, the ID card holder can use the eid function. With the eid function, you can prove your identity in a simple, secure and quick manner on the Internet or at vending machines. The ID card chip transmits your personal data using secure connections once you authorise such transmission by entering your PIN. The data the other party may request on the Internet is checked by the government. You always know to whom you transmit your personal data. An increasing number of businesses and public authorities offer services for which you can use the eid function. This helps protect your personal data when completing business transactions and administrative formalities on the Internet, and your requests can be processed more quickly. There are no waiting times and you can save paper and postage. Registration procedures in which you identify yourself with your username and password require you to know this information. Anyone else who obtains this information can also use and/or abuse it. The ID card s eid function provides better protection, because in addition to the six-digit PIN, you must also be in possession of the ID card. Only if the two are used simultaneously can your electronic identity be transmitted. This clearly makes it more difficult to steal and abuse your personal data. To use the eid function, you need a card reader (available from various retailers) and software such as AusweisApp, which ensures a safe connection between your ID card and the Internet service provider so that data can be exchanged in encrypted form. AusweisApp can be downloaded free of charge at www.ausweisapp.bund.de.

The ID card with eid function at a glance The new ID card with electronic identity function (or eid function) enables simple and secure online communication between private individuals, administrative bodies and businesses. What s new? Smart card format Postcode Integrated chip eid function for identification on the Internet and at vending machines (16 and above) Stored passport photograph Voluntary storage of fingerprints to clearly match the ID card with the ID card holder Electronic signature function to sign binding contracts, applications, documents, etc. (must be purchased separately) Enhanced security features Special protection of biometric data ID card logo on the reverse side of the card (can also be found on any equipment and everywhere you can use the eid function) Local government services available (Monday to Friday from 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.) at +49 (0)180 133 3333 (3.9 ct/minute from German landlines, max. 42 ct/minute from mobile phones, also available from abroad) More information: www.personalausweisportal.de Doctoral degree, family name, given names Chip Serial number Photograph Nationality Access number Last day of validity Date and place of birth

What data are stored on the chip? Data stored on the chip: Data printed on the ID card Digital photo Upon request: eid function: the following information may be transmitted electronically following the approval of the ID card holder: > Name, first name, doctoral degree > Date and place of birth > Address and postcode > Religious, stage or pen name > Pseudonym function without the use of personal data > Confirmation of age and place of residence Information on whether the ID card is valid or has been blocked is always transmitted, thus protecting the eid function from abuse if the ID card is lost or stolen. Separate possibility to upload a certificate for qualified electronic signature Two fingerprints (stored only on the ID card, not in databases) Not stored on the chip: Personal signature Height and eye colour Issuing authority Address Religious order or artistic name Logo Machine-readable zone (IDD = identity card of the Federal Republic of Germany, serial number, date of birth, last day of validity, check digits, blanks, family name, given name)

PIN, PUK and blocking code PIN letter Once your ID card has been issued, you will receive a PIN letter with a five-digit activation PIN, a PUK code and a blocking code. The activation PIN, the PUK and the blocking code are important if you wish to use the eid function. Changing the activation PIN to your personal PIN To use the eid function, the five-digit activation PIN must be replaced by a personal six-digit PIN. You can change your personal PIN at home with the help of a reader or in all identity card authorities at any time and as many times as you want. Whenever you use the eid function, you must enter your six-digit personal PIN. PUK If you enter the wrong PIN three times, the eid function will be blocked. It can be unblocked by entering the PUK. Reporting hotline Whenever an ID card is lost or stolen, the eid function must be blocked as quickly as possible. This can be done at your local government services office or by calling the free number 116 116, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This number can also be reached from abroad by calling +49 (0)116 116 or +49 (0)30 4050 4050 (subject to a fee). To block the eid function, card holders will be asked to provide their name, date of birth and the blocking code. The PIN letter also includes the blocking code. Please note: Even if the eid function has been blocked by calling the reporting hotline, your local government services office must be informed of the loss of the ID card. The signature function must be blocked separately by contacting the signature certificate provider. More information: www.personalausweisportal.de

Answers to your questions What documents must be provided with the ID card application? Current passport photograph Valid identity document (e.g. passport, ID card, child identity card, child passport or birth certificate) For applicants aged under 16: consent of both legal guardians or proof of the right of custody if there is only one legal guardian Photograph requirements The photograph must be recent Front view, not a three-quarter view Face in the centre of the passport photo Eyes must be open and clearly visible The mouth must be shut; the facial expression must be neutral Further information: www.personalausweisportal.de/fotomustertafel How much does the identity card cost? For persons aged 24 and over: 28.80 (valid for ten years), for persons under 24: 22.80 (valid for six years). Can the eid function be activated at a later date? As long as the ID card is valid, you can activate or deactivate the eid function at your local government services office any time. A fee of six euros is charged for later activation, but later deactivation is free of charge. Will my fingerprints be stored? Fingerprints are provided voluntarily and stored only on the ID card, not in registers or databases. Only public authorities have the right and technical means to retrieve this information. Federal Ministry of the Interior, 11014 Berlin, Germany // www.personalausweisportal.de // eid_buergerservice@bmi.bund.de // Graphical concept: Serviceplan Public Opinion // Printing: Silber Druck ohg, Niestetal // Photo credits: Federal Ministry of the Interior // Last updated: March 2014 This brochure may be ordered free of charge from: Publikationsversand der Bundesregierung, Postfach 48 10 09, 18132 Rostock, Germany // Phone: +49 (0)1805 778 090, Fax: +49 (0)1805 778 094, publikationen@bundesregierung.de, article no.: BMI14001 // Personal data provided when ordering the publication will be deleted upon delivery.