Since July 1, 2017, prepaid SIM cards in Germany have been subject to a mandatory registration requirement. Before this date, it was possible to buy and activate a prepaid SIM card without having to verify your identity. This has since changed.
Today, all providers of prepaid SIM cards in Germany are legally required to clearly verify the identity of their customers before activating a SIM card. This means that anonymous activation is no longer possible. The verification is carried out using an official form of identification, such as a passport or national ID card.
Depending on the mobile network provider and the way the SIM card is purchased, there are several ways to complete this verification process. If you buy a prepaid SIM card in a supermarket or electronics store, the most common method is the classic PostIdent procedure. In this case, you receive a PostIdent verification code from the provider and take it, together with your passport or ID card, to a branch of Deutsche Post. There, a postal employee verifies your identity and forwards the confirmation to the mobile provider.
As an alternative, many providers offer online verification via video call or photo identification. This method is especially convenient, as it can be completed from home using a smartphone or computer. After a successful online verification, the SIM card is usually activated immediately.
Another option is to purchase a prepaid SIM card directly in a mobile provider’s store. Providers such as Telekom, o2, or Vodafone allow customers to verify their identity on the spot. In this case, you simply show your passport or ID at the counter, and the SIM card is activated right away.
In summary, while prepaid SIM cards in Germany are still easy to obtain, identity verification is now a mandatory step. Once the verification is completed, activation is usually quick and straightforward, especially when using online or in-store verification methods.