Obtaining digital certificates for business (German ID-card)

What

The eID function integrated in the ID card’s chip can be used to identify yourself on the Internet and at vending machines reliably and securely. The New German National Identity Card’s function is also a reliable way to verify the identity of your Internet business partner.

Who

The ID card is issued to German nationals.

Good to know

The ID card costs fees depending on the validity. You can find them here: (in English, in German): http://www.personalausweisportal.de/EN/Citizens/German_ID_Card/Fees-Validity/Fees-Validity_node.html;jsessionid=A67CAC12C40708F548AA5F9DBB6A26E6.2_cid350

Steps

Step 1: You have to get to the nearest Bürgerbüro (local government services office) and ask for it.
STEP 2: The following documents are necessary for the application:
• valid identity document (an old ID card, if available, otherwise a passport, child identity card or child passport);
• for young people under 16 the application must be submitted by a parent or guardian and, as a rule, requires the consent of the other parent or guardian;
• current passport photograph;
It may also be necessary to present a birth certificate/certificate of parentage, for example if
• you never had an ID card or passport before or
• if data of your ID card do not match the data in the population register.
Step 3: You will be informed about the possible uses of the eID function when applying for the ID card.
STEP 4: You need your ID card with the eID function switched on.
STEP 5: You need your personal 6-digit PIN – you can find more information on your PIN here: (In English, in German): http://www.personalausweisportal.de/EN/Citizens/Electronic-Identification/all-you-need/PIN-PUK/PIN-PUK_node.html
STEP 6: You need a suitable card reader – you can find more information on card readers here: (in English, in German): http://www.personalausweisportal.de/EN/Citizens/Electronic-Identification/all-you-need/Card-Readers/Card-readers_node.html
STEP 7: You need then software establishing a secure connection between the ID card and the computer, e.g. AusweisApp2 – you can find more information on software here: (in English, in German): http://www.personalausweisportal.de/EN/Citizens/Electronic-Identification/all-you-need/Software/Software_node.html

Where

You can apply for the ID card at the identity card authority of your local government services office. At www.behoerdenfinder.de you will find the responsibilities of offices and authorities at your place of residence.