Forgotten your online ID card PIN? Reset letter can now be ordered online

People in Munich who have forgotten the PIN for their identity card or eID card can now order a free letter to reset it on the website of the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation. The eID card is an electronic identity card for EU citizens. The letter allows the online ID function to be activated without having to visit a citizens' office in person.

To place an order, applicants need a valid identity card or eID card, a registered address in Germany and a smartphone with NFC. The AusweisApp must also be installed.

The Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation will then send the PIN reset letter, which contains a QR code, within seven working days. After scanning the code, a new PIN can be set.

The PIN is needed to prove one's identity when using online services provided by companies and public authorities. Official services such as registering a place of residence, the mandatory exchange of a driving licence or applying for a certificate of good conduct can then be used digitally. An overview of the online services offered by Munich's District Administration Department (Kreisverwaltungsreferat) is available at muenchen.de/kvr-online.

Further information and the order form for the PIN reset letter are available at www.pin-ruecksetzbrief-bestellen.de.