EU Regulation 2019/1157 is applicable from August 2, 2021 and forms the basis for the new design and security features of ID cards of EU member states and also the German ID card. The aim is to increase the security level of the document throughout the EU by means of new or improved security features.

The 2021 ID card will be upgraded in terms of security with the following changes

• EU flag and ICAO chip inside logo
  The EU flag and the ICAO chip-inside logo will be displayed on the front of the ID card. The ICAO chip-inside logo is printed in an optically variable color that changes from blue to green when the card is tilted.
• New Identigram®
  The ID card will have a new Identigram®. In future, it will contain a third color (blue).
• New security thread
  A wider security thread with a new design will be integrated on the back of the card.
• Elimination of the legend label for the "Signature" data field
  The trilingual legend was previously located above the personal signature and will no longer be used in future.

Another change concerns the machine-readable zone of the ID card. A version number will be entered here from August 2, 2021. The version number will make it easier for authorities checking the ID card to reliably verify the authenticity of a document.

In addition, the storage of two fingerprints in the chip of the ID card will be introduced.

The biometric data is used to reliably establish the identity of a person who identifies themselves during an official check. If, after comparing the photo on the ID card with the person's identity, there is any doubt about the person's identity, the security authorities of the EU member states can read the fingerprints stored in the chip and compare them with the fingerprints of the person presenting the ID card. This enables fraud attempts to be detected quickly.

Existing ID cards remain valid until their expiration date.