eID in Germany: How to Activate and Use Your Electronic ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Is activating the eID function free?
Yes. The chip is built into your document — there is no extra charge to activate or use it.
What if I lose my eAT?
Report it immediately to the Ausländerbehörde. The eID function can be remotely deactivated to prevent anyone else using your digital identity.
Can EU citizens in Germany use the German eID system?
Not via AusweisApp in most cases. EU citizens in Germany keep their home country ID and do not receive a German Personalausweis. Some EU national IDs have their own eID functions but these do not connect to German portals directly.
Does using eID share all my personal data with the service?
No. Each service only receives the specific data it is authorised to request. A bank might only receive your name and date of birth — not your address or other details.
What is BundID and do I need it?
BundID is Germany's unified government login. If you need to interact with federal agencies online — tax office, immigration, pension — you need a BundID account. Verifying it with eID gives you the highest trust level and unlocks all digital services.
