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What do I need for 
an online notarisation? 

Standard hardware is sufficient:

Smartphone

A smartphone with an NFC interface and the Notary App, which you can download from the App Store and from the Google Play Store.

Computer or iPad

A device suitable for video calls (e.g. a computer or iPad) with a camera and a microphone as well as a standard browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari etc.).

Identity card with eID function / passport

You need an ID card with eID function and an ID card PIN. For more information, please visit personalausweisportal.de 

For ID cards issued before 2nd August 2021, you will also need a passport.

Internet

A sufficiently fast Internet connection.

The notary needs to reliably identify you during the videoconference. Depending on your nationality, the following identity documents are required:

All you need is a valid identity card that was issued since 2nd August 2021 and includes an activated online ID function (eID).

Generally, the ID card PIN will be sent to you after your ID card was issued. If you have lost your PIN you can request a new ID card PIN at your local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt). Please take your identity card with you to the appointment.

If your identity card was issued before 2nd August 2021, you would also need a valid passport.

German nationals living abroad temporarily or permanently can apply for a new identity card or passport at an embassy, consulate general or some honorary consuls. Information on this can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Citizens having the nationality of an EU Member State need an eID card with an activated online ID function, an electronic residence permit or another ID document that can be used to read out the eID data. More details can be found in our eID and photo list.

All EU and EEA nationals who are at least 16 years old can apply for an eID card (also called 'Union citizen card') in Germany or at a competent German representation abroad in order to participate in a notarial online procedure. You can find more information here.

In addition, you will usually need a valid passport for reading out the digital photo during the video appointment with the notary. 

Citizens having the nationality of a third country need an electronic residence permit with an activated online ID function or another ID document that can be used to read out the eID data. You can find more details in our eID and photo list.

In addition, you will need a valid passport for reading out the digital photo in the Notary App. If your electronic residence permit was issued since 2nd August 2021, you would not need a passport.

All you need is a valid identity card that was issued since 2nd August 2021 and includes an activated online ID function (eID).

Generally, the ID card PIN will be sent to you after your ID card was issued. If you have lost your PIN you can request a new ID card PIN at your local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt). Please take your identity card with you to the appointment.

If your identity card was issued before 2nd August 2021, you would also need a valid passport.

German nationals living abroad temporarily or permanently can apply for a new identity card or passport at an embassy, consulate general or some honorary consuls. Information on this can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Citizens having the nationality of an EU Member State need an eID card with an activated online ID function, an electronic residence permit or another ID document that can be used to read out the eID data. More details can be found in our eID and photo list.

All EU and EEA nationals who are at least 16 years old can apply for an eID card (also called 'Union citizen card') in Germany or at a competent German representation abroad in order to participate in a notarial online procedure. You can find more information here.

In addition, you will usually need a valid passport for reading out the digital photo during the video appointment with the notary. 

Citizens having the nationality of a third country need an electronic residence permit with an activated online ID function or another ID document that can be used to read out the eID data. You can find more details in our eID and photo list.

In addition, you will need a valid passport for reading out the digital photo in the Notary App. If your electronic residence permit was issued since 2nd August 2021, you would not need a passport.

Simply go to the notary online

Start procedure
Contact support
In case of technical issues, we can be contacted by e-mail. If you wish to, please call us free of charge on Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00.
support-online-verfahren@bnotk.de
00800 3550 9000
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