Frequently asked questions about photo identification

Which ID documents are accepted?

Authorized ID documents are valid German ID cards, official foreign identity cards that are equivalent to a German ID card, and passports, provided that these documents contain a photograph and are accepted by Deutsche Post for verification.

Please note that not all available ID documents can be accepted due to the required security features for documents.
If your ID document is not accepted by POSTIDENT via photo, you can also use our POSTIDENT via post office procedure (if available) or contact your contracting party to discuss other options.

An authorized ID document must contain the information required for identification and be legible (i.e. at minimum be written in Latin characters and Arabic numerals) and decipherable for the service agents.

Which driver's license documents are accepted?

Authorized driver’s licenses are valid German driver’s licenses, valid European driver’s licenses in credit card format (with the exception of Greek driver’s licenses), as well as foreign driver’s licenses, provided they contain a photograph and are accepted by Deutsche Post for verification.

Please note that not all available ID documents can be accepted due to the required security features for documents.
If your driver’s license is not accepted by POSTIDENT via photo, please contact your contracting party to discuss other options.

An authorized driver’s license must contain the information required for identification and be legible (i.e. at minimum be written in Latin characters and Arabic numerals) and be decipherable for the service agents.

How do I create high-quality photos?

• Ensure that all information is legible.
  
• Ensure that the lighting is sufficient so that all information is easy to read.
  
• Avoid backlighting and reflections (caused by windows in the background, for example).
  
• Fill the image section with the image as far as possible without cutting off areas of the document.
  
• Ensure that your fingers are not covering any information.

What do I need for the identity check using a smartphone?

For identification while on the go, you will need your valid documents (depending on the intended purpose, this may be an ID document and/or driver’s license) and a smartphone or tablet running an Android or iOS operating system. You can complete the identity verification process by using the POSTIDENT app.

After installing it, enter the case ID that was sent to you by e-mail.

Download the POSTIDENT app from the App Store or Play Store.