Österreichischer Personalausweis

The Austrian identity card is an official identification document for Austrian citizens aged 14 and over, serving as proof of identity and citizenship. Since 2021, it has been issued in biometric credit card format with an integrated chip. It contains personal data such as name, date and place of birth, gender, photo, signature, and a document number. Security features include holograms, microprinting, and optically variable ink to prevent counterfeiting. The chip stores biometric data: a digital passport photo and fingerprints (for those aged 12 and over), which are captured on-site during the application process.

It is valid for five years for persons under 24 and ten years for those over 24. It is valid as a travel document within the Schengen Area (EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein) for travel- and work-free mobility, but not outside of it – a passport is required.

Applications must be submitted in person at any passport authority in Austria (e.g., district authority or municipal authority), regardless of place of residence. The following documents are required: an old ID card (if available), a biometric photo (no older than six months), a birth certificate for the first application, and proof of citizenship. Processing takes four to six weeks; an express option is available. As of July 2025, the fee is €91 for adults (previously €61.50), €30 for young people aged 14–23; an additional €20 is charged for lost passports. Starting in April 2025, only one document per child will be issued free of charge after birth.

The eID function enables secure online identification via PIN or app (e.g., ID Austria), for official transactions, and electronic signatures. In the event of theft or loss, immediately report the card to initiate blocking. By 2025, it will integrate EU standards such as eIDAS 2.0 for digital mobility.