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Since autumn 2021, it has been possible to permanently identify yourself with your electronic identity card on your smartphone, in short: Smart-eID. You can find out what this is all about in this article.
Smart-eID: The electronic ID card on your smartphone
Since September 2021, it has been possible to use the Smart-eID, for example, via the AusweisApp2. From December, the first use should be possible.
- Smart-eID stands for electronic identification with the smart device.
- In order to use this, you need an electronic identity card in addition to the app. This has been around since 2010, but only now will it be possible to use a smartphone to permanently store ID card data on your device.
- For activation, you also need a 6-digit PIN. You received this with a PIN letter and your ID card. If you have misplaced your PIN, you can easily apply for a new one online.
- When you hold your ID card to your mobile phone and enter the PIN, you can already identify yourself online. Now the data is also to be stored for later.
What to use the Smart eID for
The smart eID is designed to make it easier for you to identify yourself online.
- This is helpful to save many trips to the offices. For example, to apply for parental benefits, your police clearance certificate or Bafög.
- It’s just as useful when you need to identify yourself online, for example when buying items over 18.
- Furthermore, it is possible to register your car with the app or view your Flensburg points online.
- In addition, the re-registration of the place of residence is soon to be activated for the Smart eID.
- However, the smart ID cannot completely replace the conventional ID. At police checks or when travelling abroad, the ID card must still be carried in plastic form.
- The smart ID card will not replace the traditional ID card.
The disadvantage of the smart eID
On the positive side, there are no concerns from a security perspective. However, for this to be possible, it needs certain requirements for your smartphone.
- According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs, these are so far only given for the models of the Samsung Galaxy S series.
- The reason for this is that these Samsung devices already contain a Secure Element in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Office for Information Security.
- But work is already underway to integrate the security chips into as many smartphones as possible for the first half of 2022.
