# Leitweg-ID

The German routing system for electronic invoices. Unique identification and correct delivery to public contractors.

## What is a Leitweg-ID?

The Leitweg-ID is a unique identifier for public contractors in Germany who receive electronic invoices. It enables automatic delivery of XRechnung documents to the correct authority and organizational unit.

> **Mandatory Information**: Since November 27, 2020, the correct Leitweg-ID is mandatory for all invoices to public contractors in Germany.

## Format Requirements

- Minimum 3, maximum 12 characters
- Alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9)
- Hyphen (-) as separator allowed
- No spaces or special characters
- Unique assignment per authority
- Registration in Leitweg-ID directory

## Authority Types and Structure

### Federal Authorities (99x)
Ministries and subordinate federal authorities Examples: 991-, 992-, 993-

### State Authorities (02x)
State ministries and state authorities Examples: 02-L-, 02-B-, 02-N-

### Municipalities (03x)
Cities, municipalities and districts Examples: 03-K-, 03-G-, 03-S-

### Others (04x)
Universities, institutions, corporations Examples: 04-U-, 04-A-, 04-K-

## Example Leitweg-IDs

### 991-12345-67 (Federal authority)
Bundesministerium der Finanzen

### 02-L-12345 (State authority)
Land Bayern

### 03-K-67890 (Municipal authority)
Stadt München

### 04-U-11111 (Other public entity)
Universität Hamburg

## Validation Process

1. Perform format validation
2. Check Leitweg-ID directory
3. Verify authority status
4. Control validity period
5. Confirm routing capability
6. Perform test transmission

## Common Errors & Solutions

### Invalid format
Leitweg-ID does not meet format requirements Solution: Correct format according to official specifications

### Not registered
Leitweg-ID is not found in directory Solution: Request correct Leitweg-ID from recipient

### Inactive status
Authority is temporarily not ready to receive Solution: Use alternative transmission methods or try later

### Routing error
Technical delivery not possible Solution: Contact Access Point Provider

## Format Example

| federal level | authority code | organizational unit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 991 | 12345 | 67 |

## Directory Search

Use the official Leitweg-ID directory for search and validation.

- [Open Directory](https://leitweg-id.de/)

## Resources & Links

- [Leitweg-ID Portal](https://leitweg-id.de/)
- [Official Specification](https://xeinkauf.de/app/uploads/2024/07/Leitweg-ID-Spezifikation.pdf)
- [XRechnung Standard](/resources/compliance/xrechnung-standard)