Vorgesehen zum Löschen - elektronischer Identitätsnachweis Speicherung von Fingerabdrücken

When you apply for a new ID card, your fingerprints are stored in the electronic storage and processing medium ("chip") of your ID card.

Due to binding EU-wide regulations, fingerprints for passports and ID cards must be taken electronically without exception and then stored in the chip of the passport or ID card without media discontinuity.

The fingerprints recorded when applying for a document are deleted by the authorities at the latest after the passport or ID card has been issued.

The ID card manufacturer Bundesdruckerei GmbH deletes both the fingerprints and all other personal data relating to the document once production of the passport or ID card has been completed. In this respect, if a document is lost (loss/theft), the application data must be re-entered when a new application is made.

The storage of fingerprints in the chip of the ID document serves exclusively to protect the identity of the ID card holder. The secure storage of fingerprints in the ID document is in no way related to the fingerprint database of the police or law enforcement.

If, for example, the ID card holder loses his or her ID card and this (genuine) ID card is attempted to be misused by a similar-looking stranger, the fingerprint can then be used for identification due to existing doubts when comparing the photograph. In many cases, this can make it possible to detect the misuse quickly and on the spot.

In accordance with Article 3(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on enhancing the security of identity cards and residence documents issued to citizens of the Union and their family members exercising their right to free movement, there is an obligation to include fingerprints in identity cards. The regulation is applicable from August 2, 2021.

The fingerprints stored in the passport or ID card are reliably protected against unauthorized read access. Only security authorities of EU member states can read the fingerprints from the passport or ID card for identification purposes if doubts remain about the identity after photo comparison; other countries worldwide do not have access to the fingerprint data in the passport or ID card.

• You have German citizenship.
• If the applicant has reached the age of 6 at the time of application, fingerprints must be stored in the chip of the document.

• Two fingerprints are taken of you for storage in the chip of the ID card. The fingerprints are taken with the help of fingerprint scanners when you apply at the authorities.
• As a rule, the fingerprints of both index finger tips are captured three times in succession. You place your finger on the glass pane and your fingerprint is captured electronically within seconds - without stamping ink or other aids. The software then selects the best print.
• If an index finger is missing or the quality of the fingerprint is insufficient, the flat print of either the thumb, middle finger or ring finger is saved as a substitute.

• Children under the age of 6 will not be fingerprinted.

• Electronic proof of identity: storage of fingerprints
• Since August 2, 2021, citizens have been obliged to have their fingerprints taken when applying for a new ID card for the purpose of storing them in the document
• fingerprints are only stored in the chip of the ID card
• Germany is thus implementing a regulation of the European Union (EU)
• Responsible: Identity card authorities, generally citizens' offices in Germany and German diplomatic missions abroad