A German student ID card, called Studierendenausweis, is your proof that you are enrolled at a university or university of applied sciences. It opens doors to the library, the canteen and many discounts, but it often does not replace a photo ID in exams. This guide explains what the card does, what you should do if it gets lost and whether a digital version exists.
Short answer: In most cases, the student ID card proves your enrolment and, at the University of Duisburg-Essen, is valid for the whole course of study as long as the semester fees are paid. If it is lost, you get a replacement for a fee, which is 10 euros at the University of Duisburg-Essen and 15 euros at TU Darmstadt (last updated October 2026). Only some universities offer a digital version.
The Most Important Points in Brief
- The student ID card confirms your enrolment. Many universities send it by post after you have registered.
- The card is often also your library card and canteen card. Payment works through a contactless chip.
- The card remains the property of the university and must be returned when you are de-registered.
- If it is lost, contact the card service or student office first. The replacement fee differs between universities.
- Some universities offer a digital version, for example through an app. For exams you often still need a photo ID.
What Can the Student ID Card Do?
The functions differ from university to university. The University of Duisburg-Essen describes its card as a card for all students, which is sent by post after enrolment. According to the university, only name, first name, student number and photo are visible on the chip, and no further personal data is stored there.
| Function | Example | What you should know |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of enrolment | University of Duisburg-Essen | According to the university, the card is valid for the whole course of study as long as the semester fees are paid. |
| Library card | University of Duisburg-Essen | You can borrow media from the library with the card. |
| Canteen and payment function | University of Duisburg-Essen | A contactless chip works in canteens and cafeterias run by the student services and at photocopiers. |
| Discounts | TU Darmstadt | The student representative body has negotiated discounts, for example for leisure and cultural offers. |
| Travel ticket | TU Darmstadt | According to the university, the card does not count as a semester ticket. |
If you want to use discounts outside the university, take a look at our overview of benefits with student status (in German). Whether a provider accepts your card or asks for a certificate of enrolment is up to the provider. If in doubt, ask before you go.
Is the Student ID Card Valid in Exams?
Often not on its own. TU Darmstadt points out that it still requires a valid photo ID for exams because digital devices are not allowed. Whether your student card is accepted as identification is set out in your university’s examination regulations or in the notice for your exam. When in doubt, bring your identity card or passport.
What Should You Do If the Student ID Card Is Lost?
The steps are similar at most universities, but fees and responsible offices differ. Here is how a replacement works at two examples:
- Report the loss first to the card service of the student services organisation or to your university’s student office. Lost cards are often handed in there as found property, so it is worth asking.
- Apply for a replacement in writing, usually by email, and state your student number. At the University of Duisburg-Essen you write from your personal university email address.
- Pay the fee on time. At the University of Duisburg-Essen, 10 euros are due within 14 days of receiving the new card. At TU Darmstadt, the replacement costs 15 euros and can only be paid by bank transfer.
- If the university asks for it, send the proof of payment again to the responsible office. TU Darmstadt explicitly requires this.
| University | Replacement | Fee | Source status |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Duisburg-Essen | Application by email with student number | 10 euros | Page last changed 26 January 2026 |
| TU Darmstadt | Application by email to the student office | 15 euros (duplicate) | Page last changed 11 September 2026 |
These details only apply to these two universities. Other universities set their own fees and procedures, so check the website of your student office before you pay.
Is There a Digital Student ID Card?
Yes, at some universities. TU Darmstadt offers its card exclusively through the TUDa app. You sign in with your TU ID. The card is visible from the start of the semester, that is 1 October for the winter semester and 1 April for the summer semester. According to the university, it can be used offline for five days.
The University of Duisburg-Essen does not mention a digital version on its page, and its card is a physical chip. There, the payment function in canteens and at photocopiers also runs through this chip. Before you rely on a digital solution, check exactly which functions it covers. If you are just starting, our checklist for the start of studies (in German) helps you bring the most important documents together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the student ID card a semester ticket?
No. TU Darmstadt makes clear that its card does not count as a semester ticket. Whether you have a semester ticket and how it works is decided by your university together with the student representative body. Our overview of semester tickets and the Deutschlandticket (in German) explains the differences.
How long is my student ID card valid?
According to the University of Duisburg-Essen, the card is valid for the whole course of study as long as the semester fees are paid. Your de-registration ends this period. The card remains the property of the university and must be returned when you are de-registered. Our university de-registration checklist lists what else ends at that point.
Can I pass on my student ID card to someone else?
No. The University of Duisburg-Essen points out that the card may only be used personally. Passing it on to other people is therefore not intended, including for the library or the canteen.
Do I have to report a loss immediately?
A quick report helps, because lost cards are often handed in as found property and can then be found faster. How a university deals with a lost card is up to the university itself, so ask the card service or student office directly.
Why is the student number so important?
The student number clearly assigns you to the university’s records. Applications concerning the card, enrolment or certificates almost always require it. Write it down before you lose anything that contains it.
What Should You Do Now?
- Check the website of your university to see whether a digital student ID card is available, and download only the official app if you want to use one.
- Note your student number and the contact address of the student office in a safe place.
- If the card is lost, contact the card service immediately and apply for a replacement by email.
- Before exams, find out which ID is accepted and keep a photo ID ready.
Related Articles
- University Deregistration Checklist: What Ends
- Semester contribution in Germany explained for international students
- Student visa Germany 2026: documents and timeline
- Working while studying in Germany: 140 days, mini job and taxes
- Studienbeginn Checkliste (in German)
Sources: University of Duisburg-Essen, student ID card (in German, page last changed 26 January 2026); TU Darmstadt, student ID card (in German, page last changed 11 September 2026). Accessed in October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
