Prior to 1 September 2011, residence permits and additional provisions were affixed to pages inside the passport in sticker form.

Within Germany, it is sufficient to know where they are and to show them to the police within a reasonable amount of time, when requested.

The front side shows the symbol for biometric travel documents, the German Eagle, the European bull, and the words "AUFENTHALTSTITEL" and "RESIDENCE PERMIT".

In addition, the new ID card can be used for online authentification (e.g. for age verification or for e-government applications).

The document number, the photo and the fingerprints can be read only by law enforcement agencies and some other authorities.