eID card

eID card

Our service

eID card

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area that are not Germans are able to apply for an eID card (a card with an electronic identification function).

See below for detailed information.

All Topics at a glance

Service description

Nationals of a member state of the European Union or a signatory state to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) who are not German nationals will be issued a card with an electronic proof of identity function (eID card) upon application.

This function enables secure identification on the Internet or at vending machines. The transmission of personal data is encrypted end-to-end. The data is only released after entering your secret PIN. The applicant receives this number in a letter automatically produced by the Bundesdruckerei ("Federal Printing Service") – the so-called PIN letter.
The card does not serve as proof of identity to the authorities during a personal visit. It does not contain a photograph or printed address.

German nationals and nationals of third countries can use the eID function by means of their identity card or electronic residence permit (eAT). The function of the eID card corresponds to that of the identity card or eAT. The eID card was introduced to enable other nationals to use this function as well.

Submitting an application for the eID card is voluntary.

 

Prerequisites

You must be a national of an EU or EEA Member State and have reached the age of 16. German nationals and nationals of third countries are not eligible to apply.

Required documents

Valid national passport or ID card (identification card)

Fees

€ 37.00

Payments can be made in cash or by card (girocard/debit card).

Deadlines

The eID card is valid for ten years.

Processing time

The processing time can take up to 4 weeks.

What else should I know?

The cardholder is obligated:

  • to present their eID card if an entry is incorrect (for example, after a change of name)
  • to hand in the old ID card when receiving a new eID card and
  • to report any loss of the eID card and its recovery.

COMPETENT AUTHORITY

Citizens' Office

Please contact a Citizens' OfficeInternal Link ("Bürgeramt") in Frankfurt from 1 January 2021, regardless of where you live in Frankfurt am Main.

PLEASE NOTE: For technical reasons it is not possible to apply for an eID card at our locations in Harheim, Kalbach and Nieder-Erlenbach!



Click here to make an appointment online.Internal Link