AusweisApp

AusweisApp at a glance

AusweisApp is the official eID client commissioned by Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) for using the online identification function of the German national ID card, electronic residence permit, and EU citizen eID card. It establishes an encrypted connection between the NFC chip in the identity document and online services from government and businesses, and is deployed on desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux) as well as mobile platforms (Android, iOS). In corporate and government environments it is often provided as a client tool for employees or citizen service terminals.

The software is open source and is continuously developed by Governikus, including adaptations to new operating system versions, security fixes, and support for new card readers. Releases appear irregularly, several times a year, with release notes published in the associated source code repository.

When updating, administrators should check compatibility with deployed card readers and operating system versions, since changes to supported readers or security requirements (e.g., TLS configuration, certificate validation) can occur between versions. Because the app handles security-relevant authentication processes, timely installation of updates is advisable, especially for security-related patches.