User certificates can be applied for directly on the DFN application pages. You will receive a PDF form during the application process. With this form and a valid photo identification card, you must carry out an identity check with a member of our PKI participant service before the certificate can be activated.

After successful activation of the certificate, you will find the completed key/certificate file with the extension .p12 for download on the application pages of DFN. This file must then be installed in the operating system or mail program, as described here for Thunderbird (in german) and Outlook (in german). It is not possible to use certificates in the webmailer. (However, incoming mails are automatically checked for valid signatures).