Personalausweis-PIN neusetzen oder ändern lassen

• § 13 Personalausweisgesetz (PAuswG) – Übermittlung von Geheimnummer, Entsperrnummer und Sperrkennwort
• § 20 Personalausweisverordnung (PAuswV) – Neusetzung und Änderung der Geheimnummer für den elektronischen Identitätsnachweis mit dem Personalausweis
• § 2 Personalausweisgebührenverordnung (PAuswGebV)

After applying for your ID card, you will have received a PIN letter from Bundesdruckerei containing the so-called "transport PIN", a PUK and your blocking password. Without the PIN, it is not possible to use the online ID function of your ID card. The "transport PIN" is five digits long.

Before using the online ID function for the first time, you must change the "Transport PIN" to your own, freely selectable six-digit PIN. You can change your PIN yourself at any time on your own computer with a reader. However, you can also have the PIN reset at your ID card authority at any time, both as often as you like.

Note: If you have entered your PIN incorrectly three times, your online ID card function will be blocked. The PUK is used to remove this block. The PUK can only be used ten times in total!

If you

• have already used your PUK ten times and entered your PIN incorrectly three more times,
• do not know your PUK and have entered your PIN incorrectly three times, or
• have forgotten your PIN,

you must visit your Ausweisbehörde (identity card authority) and have your PIN reset. You do not need your valid PIN for this. To change your PIN at home, you will always need the valid PIN!

• identity card

Resetting the PIN when handing over the identity card: free of charge

Resetting the PIN at the Ausweisbehörde

• Only you personally can reset your PIN. You cannot be represented.
• To reset your PIN, place your identity card on the PIN change terminal. After entering the six-digit access number printed on the front of your identity card, you can enter your new PIN.

Resetting the PIN on your own computer

• To change your PIN yourself on your computer, you need to connect a card reader and install the free federal identity card app (AusweisApp). You can then edit your PIN in the configuration.

Note: Do not use any number sequences that are also visible on your identity card (e.g. parts of your date of birth, the access number) or combinations that are easy to guess (e.g. "123456"). Memorise your PIN well. Make sure that the PIN remains known only to you. Do not write down the PIN on your identity card. Keep your PIN and PUK in a safe place at all times. Never share your PIN with third parties!

The PIN is usually reset immediately at the Ausweisbehörde, so you can wait for it straight away.