German ID cards enter a new era | Germany| News and in-depth reporting from Berlin and beyond | DW | 01.11.2010
  1. Inhalt
  2. Navigation
  3. Weitere Inhalte
  4. Metanavigation
  5. Suche
  6. Choose from 30 Languages


German ID cards enter a new era

New ID cards issued by German authorities are meant to provide new forms of security against identity theft. They also enable easier identity verification for online portals, such as internet shopping sites.

The old and new German ID cards

The new ID cards are the size of a banking card

As of Monday Nov. 1, Germans are able to apply for new identity cards with improved security measures.

A fingerprint

Voluntary fingerprints can be given to help with verification

Rather than a laminated card, which Germans carry as their main piece of identification, the new ID cards are plastic and feature enhanced security features.

A built-in computer chip containing personal data ensures accurate identification at automated machines or online. The new card also enables an electronic signature, which can be used for things like online shopping.

Germans who still have an older ID card that has not yet expired can still use them until the end of their expiration date. Old cards can also be exchanged for new ones after paying a fee of 28.80 euros ($40).

Voluntarily submitting fingerprints to be electronically saved on the card is an additional measure of identity verification enabled with the new cards.

The new cards, which are the same size as a standard banking card, are also smaller than the previous card.

Author: Matt Zuvela (dapd, dpa)
Editor: Chuck Penfold

DW recommends