Confirming your identify for the TK-Ident App

The TK-HealthID is your digital identity in the health care sector. To get your TK-HealthID, you first have to identify yourself in the TK-Ident-App with either your TK eHealth card or your ID card. Details on how to do this and what you need can be found below.

The online identification function is now integrated into every German ID card, electronic residence permit and every German eID card for EU citizens. These contain a secure chip with your identification data in electronic form. These data are read out during the identification process and are used to confirm your identity.

The online ID function of your German ID card, electronic residence permit or eID card for EU citizens allows you to identify yourself online quickly and securely. For example, when you open a bank account, apply for a criminal record certificate, or register for the TK-HealthID.

What do I need?

A German ID card, electronic residence permit or eID card for EU citizens

The 6-digit PIN you created or the 5-digit Transport PIN (in the letter on setting/resetting the PIN)

A smartphone with an NFC communication interface (Near-field communication)

Did you know?

Up until 2017, you had to get your online identification function activated at your local Bürgeramt [Citizens Registration Office]. Today, however, only ID cards with an activated online identification function are issued. The German government's AusweisApp app allows you to check whether you can identify yourself online with your ID card and mobile device.

You select your own 6-digit PIN for your ID. For this, you will be sent a 5-digit Transport PIN by post. The TK-Ident App helps you to create your 6-digit PIN if you have not yet specified this for your online ID.

Important: The PIN, Transport PIN und PUK are not the same thing!

The Transport PIN and PIN are often mistaken as the same. It is important that you differentiate between the two. When collecting your ID document (e.g., your ID card) you will automatically receive a letter with a 5-digit Transport PIN and a PUK, the number to unblock a PIN. The sole purpose of the Transport PIN is to create your 6-digit PIN once. The TK-Ident App helps you to set up your 6-digit PIN if you have not already done so for your online ID card. You can also do this with the German government’s "AusweisApp" app. Once you have created your own PIN, you will no longer need this Transport PIN.

You will need the PUK if you block the PIN you have created by mistake. This will allow you to unlock further attempts to enter your PIN, but you will not be able to change your PIN. Otherwise, you don't need the PUK for the time being. If you have not yet received your Transport PIN or have lost it, you can order a new PIN from the Bürgeramt free of charge.

You can find out whether your smartphone is NFC-enabled by referring to the device’s details online. If this is the case, you can enable NFC on your device via the system settings. The position of the NFC antenna is shown in the settings of some Android devices. Search for the term "NFC" in the settings and go to "NFC and contactless payments", then click again on "NFC and contactless payments". In iPhones, the NFC antenna is located on the top upper edge.

You can also identify yourself online with your TK eHealth card for the TK-HealthID in the TK-Ident App. You will need your TK eHealth card and PIN for this.

Your TK eHealth card should already be NFC-enabled. If your TK eHealth card is older and not yet NFC-enabled, you can also identify yourself online in the TK-Ident App using your ID card.

To identify yourself with the NFC-enabled TK eHealth, card you need this card’s PIN. If you do not yet have a PIN for your TK eHealth card, you can also identify yourself online in the TK-Ident App using your ID card.

If you have a PIN for your NFC-enabled TK eHealth card, select identification with the TK eHealth card function. The TK-Ident App then guides you through the identification process:

Enter the TK eHealth card CAN

Enter the TK eHealth card PIN

Identify yourself with the TK eHealth card

Enter the TK eHealth card CAN
The CAN comprises 6 digits and is located at the top right of your card, to the left of your photo.

Enter the TK eHealth card PIN
Enter your TK eHealth card’s PIN. You were sent this PIN in a letter regarding your TK eHealth card.

Identify yourself with the TK eHealth card
The TK-Ident App asks that you place your TK eHealth card on your smartphone’s NFC antenna. The card is then scanned to identify you.

TK eHealth card PIN blocked / Unblocking with the PUK
If you enter the wrong PIN for your TK eHealth card twice, the TK-Ident App asks you to enter your TK eHealth card’s CAN. If the CAN is correct, you will be able to enter the PIN for a third time. However, if you enter the PIN incorrectly again, the PIN is blocked.

The TK-Ident App helps you in this case. After entering the correct PUK, you can specify a new PIN for your TK eHealth card.

How do I get a PIN for the eHealth card?

How and when do I get my TK eHealth card?

If you do not already use the German-language "Meine TK" service, simply get in touch with us to order a new NFC-enabled TK eHealth card.

The TK eHealth card must be held against the smartphone’s NFC antenna. The NFC function must be activated in the system settings. Important: Do not move the TK eHealth card once a connection has been established as otherwise it will be deactivated.

Troubleshooting:

Wait until the data has been read out
Some smartphones vibrate when successfully connected or show a connection animation. Wait until the reading out process is complete and do not move the ID card during this time. This can take a few seconds and may require a bit of a practice. Refer to the instructions for use or go online to find out where your device's NFC antenna is located. The position of the NFC antenna is shown in the settings of some Android devices. Search for the term "NFC" in the settings and go to "NFC and contactless payments", then click again on "NFC and contactless payments". In iPhones, the NFC antenna is located on the top upper edge.

Check your smartphone’s charge
When you use your eHealth card to identify yourself, the chip in your card is powered by your smartphone. This is not the case, for example, when paying with your debit or credit card at the supermarket checkout. Here the card readers are connected directly to the power supply and your card is powered accordingly. Your smartphone requires hardly any energy for this connection.

When using your TK eHealth card to identify yourself, your smartphone is the card reader. Some smartphones may need to be either well or fully charged to ensure that the connection to the chip in the TK eHealth card remains stable. If your smartphone’s battery is not fully charged, you should plug your device in to be charged during identification.

Check your TK eHealth card for technical defects
To rule out a technical defect on your card, you can use other software, for example the E-Rezept App, to check whether you can log in. If you have a second smartphone, you can also use this to check for defects on the card.