Electronic Identification with the German National Identity Card

type: Article

Online identification with the eID function is easy.

The eID function integrated in the ID card's chip can be used to identify yourself on the Internet and at vending machines reliably and securely. The German National Identity Card's function is also a reliable way to verify the identity of your Internet business partner.

Advantages of the eID function

  • No transport costs and waiting times - you can save time and money!
  • Perform your business and government transactions easily and safely online - anywhere and any time.
  • The eID function protects your data on the Internet! Even if you lose your ID card - without your PIN no one has access to your data.
  • No confusion with passwords any more! Easy and secure registration with only one PIN.
  • Your data are transmitted correctly - typing errors are not possible.

Easy online identification

Online identification is very easy. As an online service user, you can always clearly see which of your personal data - e.g. first and last name, date and place of birth or address - the provider requests. If you agree you enter your six-digit PIN to send the data in encrypted form.

There are background checks to verify the validity of your ID card and whether it has been blocked. At the same time the authorization of your online service provider to request your data is checked. Online service providers are authorized to request such data only if they have been certified by a public authority.

This double check is not carried out by the online service provider but by an eID server. This rules out the possibility of misuse by a provider directly accessing your data or the use of a blocked ID card.
Detailed information on the security of the eID function can be found here.

All you need

Logo of the electronic identification function Source: BMI

1. Your ID card with the eID function switched on.
2. Your personal 6-digit PIN– you can find more information on your PIN here.
3. A suitable card reader – you can find more information on card readers and suitable smartphones here.
4. Software establishing a secure connection between the ID card and the computer, e.g. AusweisApp – you can find more information on software here.

That's it! You can now use the eID function.

How to proceed

1.

The online service asks for your identification. You connect your eID with your smartphone or card reader.

2.

Now you can see who will receive your data and what data the provider of the online service wants to know.

3.

You agree to the data collection by entering your personal PIN.

4.

The chip checks whether the provider is authorised to collect your personal data.

5.

If, and only if, the provider is authorised to collect your personal data, the data is transmitted – securely with end-to-end encryption.

6.

After the online identification process, you can disconnect your ID card and smartphone or card reader

Please note:

Young people under 16 receive their National ID card with the eID function switched off. Once they are 16, they can choose to have it switched on by the competent authority. This service is free of charge.

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