About Personalausweis
Neue Personalausweis is the electronic identity (eID) function of the physical German identity card. The eID function allows cardholders to verify their identity online, based on multi-factor authentication which involves scanning their ID card with a card reader and entering a PIN code.
After you integrate with Personalausweis through Signicat, you can verify the identity of your end-users online and obtain relevant personal information about them.
Key features
To use the eID function, the end-user needs a card reader and the AusweisApp.
Card reader
To perform an authentication with Personalausweis, cardholders are requested to scan their ID card. The card reader can be:
- An external USB card reader connected to their computer.
- An NFC-enabled smartphone paired as a card reader to a tablet or desktop.
- An NFC-enabled smartphone in combination with the AusweisApp on mobile.
The card reader processes the data stored in the ID card's chip and relays it to the AusweisApp.
AusweisApp
Personalausweis requires that end-users read out their ID card through the AusweisApp software which enables encrypted data exchange between the ID card and the online service where they want to identify themselves. The AusweisApp:
- Handles secure communication between the card and your application.
- Shows the end-user the requested attributes and the requesting organisation (Signicat).
- Facilitates pairing between devices.
The AusweisApp is required on the devices used in the authentication flow with Personalausweis.
The AusweisApp is developed by Governikus GmbH & Co. KG and provided by the German federal government (Bund).
The AusweisApp is the officially recommended eID client by Bund. Alternative eID clients exist, such as AUTHADA ident. For more information, see the Personalausweisportal site.
German identity card
Everyone in Germany aged 16 or older must have an ID card or a passport. People under the age of 16 can also request the ID card, but the eID functionality is switched off in this case. At 16, they can choose to have it switched on free of charge.
Key features are:
- Personal information and a picture of the holder are visible on the card.
- The RFID chip contains personal information.
- Online authentication requires a PIN.
Signicat can provide you with a test ID card, find out how in the Test information page.
Level of assurance
In line with the eIDAS Regulation, Personalausweis is notified with assurance level "high".
Your integration with Signicat, always performs identity verification with the level of assurance (LoA) set to high, regardless of the query parameter used in your request. This is to adhere to Personalausweis requirements.
User data
The following information can be obtained during electronic identification with end-user consent:
- Family name
- Given name(s)
- Doctoral degree (if applicable)
- Date of birth
- Address
- Document type
- Issuing country
See also Personalausweis attributes.
External links
Here is a list of useful links to learn more about Personalausweis: