The online ID card enables you to complete digitally offered administrative and business services online. Online ID is made possible by a chip in your ID card, provided the online ID is activated. For citizens who were 16 years or older when they applied, this chip has been activated by default since 2017.

If you apply for a new ID card and you are 16 years or older, you can activate the online ID card yourself. The PIN letter is no longer sent by post, but is issued directly by the Citizens' Office when you apply.

You can later replace the PIN with a six-digit PIN of your choice. You can do this when you collect your ID card and later at the Citizens' Office or in apps for the online ID card, such as the AusweisApp.

If the online ID function is not yet activated, you can have it activated at your local "Bürgeramt". You can also reset your PIN at your local citizens' office.

With your online ID card you can, for example:

• Apply for BAföG online,
• activate your SIM card online,
• use the online services of Deutsche Rentenversicherung for your insurance account and
• carry out identification with PostIdent via the PostIdent app.