The main objective is to make as many official administrative services as possible digitally accessible to as many people as possible. The identity card (including the eID function), which is mandatory for all citizens, is therefore the key instrument in the digitalisation of administrative services.

The Online Access Act (OZG) was used as the basis for determining the needs in order to digitalise public administration in a user-oriented and need-based way by 2022. In addition to the digitalisation of official administrative services, it also specifies that in the future all official information required as well as contact options to direct contact persons must be made available online.

Electronic identity documents differ from those commonly used in the past in that they have an integrated chip. The personal data of the holder is also stored on this ID chip in electronic form. Examples of such documents include electronic ID cards, electronic passports, and electronic residence permits. Alternatively, the data in question can be stored in a 2D bar code (a digital seal) and cryptographically signed. This has been implemented in proof of arrival documents, for instance. To learn more about the data involved, the exact manner in which it is stored, and the advantages this offers, please refer to the descriptions of the individual types of documents.

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The services currently available online vary from state to state. Information on this is available on the portals of each state. For example, registering a motor vehicle online is the standard procedure throughout all of Germany. You can find out more about the objectives and the projects already carried out or currently in the planning stage on the ITPlanning Council's website.

In order for citizens to be able to access digital administration services, an internet-enabled end device (e.g. PC, Laptop) is required. The required software (for example: browser, Adobe Reader) must also be available. Evidently, you must also have an e-mail account when communicating with public authorities online.

If you have a newer (and therefore NFC-enabled) smartphone, you can also access certain official administrative services online by installing the app AusweisApp2. However, the eID function of your ID card must be activated to be able to do this (request this at your local government services office).