Digital Certificate of Conduct Set to Roll Out in Germany

Germany’s Federal Ministry of Justice plans to digitize the certificate of conduct (Führungszeugnis). According to a draft law obtained by newspapers of the Funke Media Group, authorities will in the future be able to send the document not only by mail but also electronically as a PDF. The proposal is expected to be approved by the federal cabinet next week and implemented later this year.

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The certificate of conduct provides information on whether an individual has a criminal record and is required for various professional and voluntary roles, particularly in child and youth services. It is issued by the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ). The draft law also includes digitizing the expanded certificate of conduct as well as the European certificate.

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“The digital certificate of conduct will save citizens time and nerves,” said Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) in comments to the Funke newspapers. She called the introduction “a prime example of successful state modernization.” “Digitalization helps people and makes a difference,” she added.

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According to the report, authorities in Germany issue around five million certificates of conduct each year. After the ID card and birth certificate, it is the most frequently requested document. Applicants will be able to use the BundID account to request the digital certificate. It will be sent with a special barcode. A verification app on a smartphone will allow employers, for example during recruitment, to quickly and securely confirm that the document was issued by the registry authority.

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The draft law states that the IT infrastructure for the electronic certificate will cost the Federal Office of Justice around 2.4 million euros annually, according to Funke. However, the government expects about one million euros in additional revenue from growing application numbers. Savings are also anticipated as fewer certificates will need to be sent by post, reducing postage costs.

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