Since they include a chip and specific security functions, German ID cards can be used in a variety of areas.

Use as a secure online ID

The integrated chip makes it possible to use a German ID card as a secure form of identification and authentication on the Internet. To this end, an additional program must be installed to serve as an intermediary between the user and the public authority or online merchant in question. Before proceeding, your ID card's eID function needs to be activated. If this has not already been done, you can request activation at the authority that issued your ID card.

For security reasons, it is not possible to simply access the data on a German ID card's chip. The holder of the ID card must first provide their consent by entering their PIN; the business partner in question (i.e. a company or public authority) then needs to be authorised to access the data stored on the chip. This access authorisation can be requested from the Federal Office of Administration. If the subsequent review renders a positive result, an authorisation certificate is issued.

Authorisation certificates are always valid for a limited period of time and can also be revoked. If a given authorisation certificate is valid, it is requested as part of Terminal Authentication in order to authorise the business partner in question to access the data stored on the corresponding chip. The business partner can only access the specific identification data for which it has been authorised.

Use as a secure travel document

A German ID card can be used instead of a passport to travel to certain countries. The chip it includes makes it more secure as a travel document.

The digital facial image stored on the chip is of a higher quality than a printed image because it is not altered by the pattern applied to passport cards. Both the facial image and the fingerprints stored (if applicable) make it easier to determine whether a given ID card actually belongs to the person carrying it. More information on these possibilities is available under Biometrics.

In addition, the security mechanisms on the RF chip make it possible to recognise a forged ID card in short order. Further details on this topic can be found under Passive Authentication.