Apply for a new ID card due to expiry of validity
Source: Serviceportal Rheinland-PfalzYou must apply for a new ID card in good time before your old ID card expires. This applies if you do not have any other valid identification document, such as a passport.
You can apply at the citizens' office at your main place of residence. If you submit the application to another citizens' office for an important reason, you will have to pay a surcharge.
If the new ID card cannot be issued within the remaining period of validity of the old ID card, you must generally also apply for a temporary ID card for the transitional period. A temporary ID card is valid for a maximum of 3 months.
Online function of the ID card
All ID cards have electronic proof of identity (online ID card). The online ID function is automatically activated on all ID cards issued from July 2017 for people over the age of 16. If you have set a six-digit PIN of your choice, you can use it to identify yourself to authorities and companies when using online services with a high level of trust. You can use the online ID card after your 16th birthday.
When you apply for your ID card, the prints of your two index fingers are stored on a chip in the card. Children under the age of 6 are excluded from this regulation.