apply for an eID card as a European citizen
The eID card is a chip card that you can use to prove your identity electronically. With the eID card, you can identify yourself online and, for example, deal with public authorities or business transactions digitally.
You can obtain the German eID card as a citizen of another member state of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (European Economic Area) - regardless of whether you live in Germany or not.
The online ID function of the eID card offers you, as a citizen of these countries, the same electronic function as the German electronic ID card or the electronic residence permit in Germany. You can apply for the eID card regardless of whether your home country has an eID system or not.
If you use the eID card, you can decide and control yourself whether and to whom you transmit personal data digitally.
Validity of the eID card: 10 years
Responsible authority
eID card authorities in Baden-Württemberg are
- the municipalities as local police authorities
- the administrative communities, which perform or fulfil the tasks of the registration authority.
As a rule, the citizens' offices or the citizens' offices fulfil the tasks of an eID card authority there.
The eID card authority in whose district you are registered with your home, or your main residence if you have more than one home, is responsible for you.
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
You are
- at least 16 years old and
- A citizen of another state of the European Union or
- A citizen of another state of the European Economic Area.
Procedure
You can apply for the eID card in person at the relevant office.
- Contact your local citizens' office and make an appointment if necessary.
If you want to apply for your eID card outside of Germany:
- Contact the Federal Foreign Office and the diplomatic mission in the district where you live.
Deadlines
Recommendation: Apply for a new eID card two months before it expires.
Required documents
- ID card (identity card), passport or another valid identity document issued by your home country
- If you are not resident in Germany, other proof of residence is required. You can obtain the necessary documents from the relevant diplomatic mission abroad.
- If you have moved to Germany and have not yet registered, you must first register with a German registration office (usually: Bürgeramt). You can find out which documents are required for registration from your registration office.
Costs
- Issuing the eID card: EUR 37.00
- for optional direct dispatch:EUR 15.00
- for sending the PIN letter abroad: respective expenses
Processing time
about three to six weeks
Miscellaneous
You are obliged to immediately
- present the eID card if an entry is incorrect,
- hand in the old eID card when receiving a new eID card and
- report the loss of the eID card and its recovery.
From 1 May 2025, you can also select the "Direct delivery" option in the application process for a fee and receive the document delivered to your home address where it can be delivered. You must be at least 16 years old and submit the application for an eID card within Germany to the authority at your place of residence. In addition, you must present yourself in person at the door of your home to the Postal delivery service with a valid identity document (e.g. passport) and have the old eID card cancelled when you apply for the new eID card. Residents of Büsingen (Hochrhein) and Helgoland cannot use the direct mail service.
Detailed information
Legal basis
- § 8 Ausstellung der eID-Karte
- § 20 Pflichten des Karteninhabers
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Innenministerium Baden-Württemberg, 05.03.2026