Germany plans to digitize the police clearance certificate (Führungszeugnis) so it can be applied for and issued as a PDF through the BundID online portal, moving away from postal mail.

Background: BundID has grown rapidly, surpassing five million registered users, with full functionality tied to citizens using online ID features.

Estimated annual IT infrastructure cost for the digital Führungszeugnis at the BfJ is about 2.4 million euros, with potential revenue increases of around 1 million euros from higher volumes and reduced postal costs.

The plan anticipates cabinet approval in the coming week and implementation within the year.

A draft bill reported by Funke Mediengruppe is expected to be approved by the cabinet next week and implemented in 2026.

Legislative draft to enable the digital Führungszeugnis was expected to be approved by the cabinet soon and implemented within the year.

Germany issues about five million Führungszeugnisse annually, largely for employment and volunteer work in child and youth services.

Minister Stefanie Hubig says the digital Führungszeugnis will save time and effort and stands as a model of state modernization.

Officials expect lower postage costs as fewer certificates are sent by mail, contributing to savings and efficiency.

The digital Führungszeugnis would be applied for and delivered as a PDF via BundID in a secure process, speeding up access for citizens.

A German proposal would allow digital access to the Führungszeugnis in addition to the current postal delivery.

The report cites coverage from Funke Media Group and notes the article will be updated as new details emerge.