How does the process of reading out the photo from the identity card work?

At the notary appointment, your notary will ask you to scan your photograph. To do this, you will be shown a QR code in the video conference, which you must scan with the Notary App. The readout process will then start.

The process for reading out the photo consists of two steps: Firstly, scanning the identity card with the camera on your smartphone and then the readout of the photo.

Note: The photo can only be read out from identity cards that have been issued since 2nd August 2021 (note: it is the date of issue that counts, not the validity date). Please check whether this applies to your identity card. If this is not the case, you can alternatively read out the photo from your passport.

Your identity card must also be valid so that the photo can be read out.

 

1. Scanning process

When scanning the identity card, please take care to avoid reflections by adjusting the lighting conditions for example. Also make sure that no data in the area to be scanned is covered. 

If you have problems scanning, you can also enter your data manually: To do this, select the "Manuelle Eingabe / manual input" button on the side. Then enter the following data:

  • Document number (top right of your identity card)
  • Your date of birth
  • The expiry date of your identity card

 

2. Readout process

After the scanning process or manual entry of the identity card data, the process for the readout of the photo starts. To ensure that this works smoothly, proceed as follows:

  • Place the identity card on a firm surface (table).
  • Then place your smartphone on the identity card with the display facing upwards.
  • As soon as the readout process starts, do not move your smartphone or your identity card.
  • If the readout process does not start, change the position of the smartphone bit by bit until the readout process starts. The NFC interface of your smartphone is usually located in the upper area on the back. You can find the NFC position of all common smartphones on the AusweisApp website.

Follow the instructions in the Notary App.