Originally Posted by fassy

Actually, this is where a system like remote authentication with the chip on the ID card would be useful. But as all things digital in German administration, they suck at implementing it. So far, I could use the chip on ID system just once, to apply for a police background check certification from the federal police. I bought a card reader for it and then when you fire it up, it shows what offical services it can be used for... close to nothing useful. Just a handful of insurance companies and very very few Government services.