PAuswG

PAuswG is the German abbreviation for the Personalausweisgesetz, the federal law that governs the issuance, use, and security of the German national identity card (Personalausweis) and its electronic identification features. The act provides the legal framework for who may obtain an ID card, how it is issued by local authorities under federal supervision, and the conditions for renewal, loss, or replacement. It also sets the security standards, the data to be printed on the card, and the data stored on the embedded chip, including any biometric data required by the law.

A central element of the PAuswG is the electronic identification function (eID) of the national ID card, enabling online identification and authentication for various services. The eID is accessed through supported software, such as the official AusweisApp2, and is subject to privacy protections and user consent. The law governs when and how personal data may be accessed and processed, in alignment with data protection rules, and specifies penalties for forgery, manipulation, or misuse of the card.

The PAuswG also addresses international use and cross-border recognition of electronic identities within the European Union and related countries, consistent with EU rules such as the eIDAS framework. It delineates the roles of the federal government and the Länder in administering the card program and includes transitional provisions for existing cards and for the adoption of new features. Overall, the law aims to strengthen identity verification, digital authentication, and privacy protection for German residents.