Available throughout Germany and beyond

As at 1 November 2020, the 62 million Germans who are required to have an identification document had a national identity card with a chip. This is in addition to the approximately 12 million people from non-EU or non-EEA countries living in Germany. Since 1 September 2011, they have received electronic residence permits which serve as proof that the holder is entitled to reside in Germany and are also equipped with the electronic identification function. In addition, the eID card with electronic identification function for citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area was introduced on 1 January 2021.

Electronic identification at the highest level of assurance

In line with Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC (eIDAS Regulation), the eID function is notified with assurance level “high”. This is further confirmation of the security of the eID function as a state means of identification.

Uncomplicated integration into existing business processes

You do not necessarily need your own technical infrastructure to offer online identification. Instead, you can commission a provider of identification services to carry out the identification of your customers for you.
Alternatively, you can use an eID service provider. These can also provide any technical infrastructure you require.

Simple to operate and user-friendly

Regular use of smartphones, tablets and the internet means that your customers have ever-higher expectations in terms of simplicity and user-friendliness. To use the eID function, all your customers need is their identity card, the six-figure pin that they set for themselves, a modern NFC-enabled smartphone (Android or iOS) and suitable software, for example the Federal Government’s AusweisApp app.

Then all they need to do is hold their ID card up to their smartphone and enter their PIN number – that’s it! The online identification process takes just a few seconds. Your customers can identify themselves online anywhere, at any time.

Automatic data transfer to your systems

When the eID function for identification and authentication is used, the data of the person identifying themselves is transferred directly into your systems. You receive personal data that has been checked by the registration authorities, and you can move on to the automated further processing of the data in your system, without having to worry about typing mistakes.

Meeting legal requirements

In some sectors, proof of identity is legally required before a contract can be signed. This applies, for example, to financial service providers under the Money Laundering Act (Geldwäschegesetz, GwG), and to mobile telecommunications providers under the Telecommunications Act (Telekommunikationsgesetz, TKG).

The eID function and on-site reading for point-of-sale identification allow all those involved to meet these requirements quickly and easily.