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Harburg Residents’ Affairs

Apply for an eID card as a European citizen

Would you like to identify yourself online as an EU or EEA citizen? Learn how to apply for electronic proof of identity here.

Use Online-Service

Detailed description

The eID card is an electronic identity card (eID card) for citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) who live in Germany but do not have a German identity card.



With the eID card, you can securely identify yourself online, just like with the online ID function in your German identity card. You need this function to use digital administrative services in Germany, for example:

  • Submit applications to German authorities online
  • Use digital administrative portals (e.g. BundID or city service portals)

You can apply for the eID card regardless of whether your home country has an eID system or not.


If you use the eID card, you can decide and control whether and to whom you transmit personal data digitally.

 

Information

Prerequisites

They are

  • at least 16 years old,
  • registered in Hamburg with sole or main residence and
  • Citizen of another state of the European Union or the European Economic Area.

Documents required

  • ID card (national identity card), passport or other valid identification document issued by your home country
  • If you do not have a place of residence in Germany, another proof of your place of residence is required. You can ask the responsible diplomatic mission for the necessary documents.
  • If you have moved to Germany and have not yet registered, you must first register. You can ask your Hamburg Service what documents are required for registration

Please note

  • An extension or change is not possible. A new eID card is always issued.
  • The eID card is designed exclusively for online use and does not serve as an identification document or travel document. It does not contain a photograph, signature, or information about height or eye color.
  • If you want to apply for your eID card outside of Germany, please contact the Federal Foreign Office and the diplomatic mission in the district where you live.

Deadlines

The eID card is valid for 10 years.

Procedure

  • You apply for the eID card in person at the Hamburg Service on site - location for residents' affairs.
  • You make an appointment online.
  • You attend the appointment in person.
  • You will receive a letter (PIN letter) with a so-called transport PIN and important information about the online ID function.
  • Your eID card is created by an external body.
  • You pay the fee
  • Once the eID card is ready, pick it up at the location where you applied for it, after making an appointment.

Processing time

The application process takes approximately 15 minutes. You can pick up your eID card at the application location approximately two to three weeks after the application.

Fees

Issuing the eID card: EUR 37.00

Payment methods available

  • Girocard
  • Cash payment

Payment information

automatic pay station

Legal remedies


  • Complaint

  • Contradiction

Legal basis

Section 8 of the Act on a Card for Citizens of the Union and Members of the European Economic Area with Electronic Identity Function (eIDKG)





§§ 2 to 2a Ordinance on Fees for Identity Cards and Electronic Proof of Identity (PAuswGebV)


Address and contact information

Harburg Residents’ Affairs

You can use this service at any Hamburg Service Residents' Affairs location, regardless of where you live in Hamburg.

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, visits are only possible by appointment. You can book an appointment online (https://www.ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú/go/17584) or by phone at 040 115.

The main entrance to Harburger Rathausforum 3 is located at the rear of the building and can be reached via the inner courtyard of the building complex. To get to the inner courtyard, use the entrance on Knoopstrasse. The mailbox is located at Harburger Rathausplatz 1 (town hall). There are no customer parking spaces available.

If you would like to apply for an identity card, passport or children's passport, you can use an existing self-recording terminal (Speed Capture Terminal) to capture the necessary biometric data (digital photo, signature, fingerprints).


Please allow a few minutes more time before your appointment to collect your data.


Note: You will not receive a printout of the digital photo.


There is no need to bring a passport photo with you when using the self-registration terminal.


Use costs 6 euros.


Please speak to the clerk afterwards.



The existing self-recording terminal (Speed Capture Terminal) cannot be used for fishing licenses and driver's license applications. Please bring a passport photo (biometric) with you for these services.

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Keywords: Electronic proof of identity oath eID card chip card electronic identification Online ID Online ID function EU citizens

Last updated: 28.10.2025