German ID Card

type: Article

With your German National Identity Card you can prove your identity in everyday life, for example at the Bürgeramt (public administration office), at banks or at hotel receptions.

The German National Identity Card was introduced on 1 November 2010.

At a glance

The German National ID Card in detail

Thanks to its practical format of a typical credit-card the ID card easily fits into your wallet. It is the size of 8.6 cm x 5.4 cm. The card consists of several layers of plastic protecting the ID card against wear and tear and damage in everyday use.

Graphic of the information brochure on the ID card shows the logo of the eID function, a woman, a smartphone, an ID card, buildings, a lock and a globe

Source: Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community

Important to know

The ID card with eID function is a photo ID and an official document used, for example, for identification in police or border inspections. The countries you may enter only with your ID card and without your passport can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Public enquiry service (Mon – Fri, 8.00 – 17.00 h)

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