Where can I find my PIN for the eID registration process?

You can find your five-digit activation PIN (also known as a transport PIN) in the PIN letter you received from your authority after your ID card was issued (German National Identity Card with Electronic Identification, eID Card, Electronic Residence Permit).

To use the eID function, you must replace the five-digit activation PIN (transport PIN) from the PIN letter with your personal six-digit PIN. You have to define this six-digit PIN yourself.

You can do this either at home using the KulturPass app or on your computer at home using a card reader, or with an NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet. Alternatively, you can do this on site at a citizen terminal in public authorities.

If you have lost your PIN letter, you can contact your local authority's citizen service centre to obtain a new PIN. You can find the office in charge at servicesuche.bund.de by searching for the keyword ‘PIN’ and entering your postcode.

You can find more information about the online function here: Registration & identification with the eID function of your ID document.

For more information on resetting your PIN, click here: How do I reset my PIN?.