General Information

The German ID card, with its contactless electronic chip, is a multi-functional card in credit card format. Your photograph is stored on the chip of your ID card. Since 1 August 2021, the storage of two fingerprints on the chip has been mandatory across Europe for newly issued ID cards. These biometric security features may only be read by official authorities (e.g., border officials, police).

Applications for ID cards can only be submitted in person by appointment during opening hours at the Embassy, the Consulate General in Sydney, or at our Honorary Consuls' Offices. The ID cards are printed by the Federal Printing Office in Berlin. Please allow a processing time of at least 6 to 8 weeks.

You will receive your ID card with the online identification function activated (except if the applicant is under 16 years of age at the time of application). This allows you to identify yourself and authenticate online and at automated machines that support the online identification function (identified by the ID card logo), for example, when shopping online and booking services. Before applying for the ID card, please read the information brochure for citizens on the online identification function on the ID card portal. You must declare that you have read this brochure when submitting your application.
It is no longer possible to deactivate the online function.

For all change requests requiring the entry of the PIN, the applicant must appear in person at the Embassy in Canberra or the Consulate General in Sydney. This particularly includes resetting the PIN (which also includes replacing the initial transport PIN with a new PIN). This service cannot be offered by Honorary Consuls.

You can also reset/change the PIN using a commercially available card reader at home or with the AusweispApp2 application on your smartphone.

PIN Letter

Every applicant who is older than 15 years and 9 months at the time of application will receive a PIN letter upon application, containing the secret PIN, the unlocking code (PUK) and a blocking password. You should keep this safe.

Collection

Please book an online appointment for collection at the Embassy or the offices of the Honorary Consuls. Collection from the Consulate General in Sydney is possible without an appointment. Please bring your previous ID card (or passport, if you do not yet have an ID card) with you.

You can also authorise another person to collect your ID card in writing.

Power of Attorney for Collecting an Electronic ID Card

Furthermore, you have the option of having your ID card sent to your address by registered post. For this purpose, please bring a prepaid envelope addressed and stamped to your address when submitting your application.