Deutscher Personalausweis

The German identity card is an official document for identification and a central component of the German administration. It has been issued in credit card format since 2005 and contains biometric data such as a digital passport photo and fingerprints (optional). The card serves as proof of identity and nationality and is mandatory for German citizens aged 16 and over who do not have a passport.

The identity card contains personal information such as name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and an ID number. An integrated RFID chip enables electronic identification (eID) for online services and government transactions. It is generally valid for six years for individuals under 24 and ten years for those older than 24. Since 2017, gender-diverse individuals have also been able to choose „diverse“ as their gender entry.

The application is submitted to the responsible registration authority, and a recent biometric passport photo must be submitted. The cost is approximately €37 (€22.80 for those under 24). The ID card is recognized as a travel document within the EU and some other countries. In the event of loss or theft, it must be reported immediately to prevent misuse. The ID card is an essential document for everyday life and the digital world.