Identity card: That means the last digit

There are many myths and rumors surrounding the number on the ID card. We'll tell you what the last digit really means.

The last digit of the ID card number stands for this

Many rumors say that the numbers on the identity card indicate how many people in Germany have the same name. Other wild theories even claim that the sequence of numbers shows who immediately looks like you. However, the explanation is much easier and even a little boring:

• The identification number is made up of a total of three sub-areas.
• The final last digit is a check digit. With their help, possible deceptions are easier to identify.
• With the help of this last code, a special mathematical procedure can be used to determine whether the specified personnel number is correct or not.

The three sections of the ID number

The identity card number has a total of four check digits. The first three check digits always refer to the subarea that they close.

• In the first section, in addition to the four-digit authority code, there is a five-digit, randomly composed sequence of numbers, a serial number and a check digit.
• The next part of the ID card number is followed by the date of birth and another check digit.
• The last section contains the expiry date of the ID card and then a check digit.

Find out what you need to know about the new deadlines for extending your license in the next article.