ID Austria is the new digital ID replacing the Handy Signature from December 5th. It allows access to digital Government services such as the Finanzonline platform, accessing your personal healthcare account, signing documents, registering a new address and having digital ID like your Austrian driver license on your phone if you have the full version.

You can register either by using the oesterreich.gv.at website or downloading the ID Austria app and transferring your Handy Signatur for the basic version (offers all the same functions as with the Handy Signatur). Step by Step instructions for both options here. For the app you will need a smart phone with facial recognition or thumb print. Many android phones don’t have strong enough facial recognition to securely sign in so you may have to just use the fingerprint option. When during the sign up process it asks you to upgrade to the Full version / Vollfunktion just chose Vorest Spring / Jump ahead). To complete the registration on the app you will also need a laptop or second device so you can scan a QR code. You can only use the basic version for the length of time your handy Signatur is valid (5 years from when you first activated your Handy Signatur). After this time you have to upgrade to the full version. You may also be unable to transfer your Handy Signatur if it was first activated at a service like an A1 Shop (needs to have been verified by the authorities such as the Finanzamt).

To activate the full version, which allows you to have digital ID like your Austrian Drivers license on your phone, foreigners need to visit their local Landespolizeidirektionen (also possible without a handysignatur).

To register in Graz, you need to visit the Landespolizeidirektionen at Parkring 4, 8010 Graz (in the Stadtpark). Previously no appointment was needed but now you need to register for one . You do not need to be living in Austria for any specific amount for time to register.

You will need to bring:

• passport photo (not older than 6 months)

• passport

• Meldezettel

• residency document / card

• smart phone

They will confirm your ID and give you a piece of paper with a code to finish the registration on-line at home (you need a smartphone and an additional device such as a laptop, ipad, or another phone to complete the registration).

It is also possible to use ID Austria from a laptop with a FIDO2 security key for those without a smart phone or one that is compatible.

Graham Crewe has a detailed post in English Speakers in Austria all about registering for the new full function ID Austria. There is also an official page in English which explains how to download the app and register, plus a full page in German.

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