Electronic proof of identity Storage

Your ID card is equipped with an electronic storage and processing medium, a so-called "chip". This means that you can also use your ID card online. With the online ID card, you can identify yourself securely on the Internet. You can simply deal with the authorities or business matters electronically. This saves time, costs and journeys.

Electronic proof of identity is provided by transmitting data

1. from the electronic storage and processing medium of the ID card or

2. from an electronic storage and processing medium in a mobile device.

The following data is stored on the chip of the ID card:

1. Surname and maiden name,
2. First names
3. Doctoral degree
4. Date and place of birth
5. Photograph
6. Address, in case of address abroad the indication "no residence in Germany"
7. Nationality
8. Order name, stage name
9. Fingerprints, designation of the recorded fingers, information on the quality of the prints

The ID Card Act also regulates which data may be stored on an electronic storage and processing medium in a mobile device in order to establish electronic proof of identity in accordance with Section 10a (1) sentence 1:

Once you have given your consent by entering your PIN, the following data can be transmitted using the online ID function:

• Surname and first name(s)
• Date and place of birth
• Address and postcode
• if indicated: maiden name
• if indicated: Order or artist name
• if indicated: Doctoral degree

Each time you use your online ID card, the system checks whether your ID card is still valid and has not been blocked. This protects it from misuse if you lose it.

Your photograph is stored in the chip of your ID card for official purposes. Until July 2021, the additional storage of two fingerprints in the chip was voluntary; since 2 August 2021, it has been mandatory for newly issued ID cards throughout Europe. Only authorities that are legally authorised to establish identity may read the biometric data in the chip. Your photograph and fingerprints will never be requested without your knowledge.