How to get your own "E-Postbrief" address

One of the key features of the "E-Postbrief" is its binding character. Sender and recipient can be identified without doubt - spam e-mails or messages using a false name are no longer possible. In order to guarantee this binding character, all new customers have to go through a multi-stage process when opening their "E-Postbrief" account - similar to opening an online account with a commercial bank. This ensures that customers are clearly and unmistakably assigned to their respective "E-Postbrief" address and vice versa.

The processes of securing an address and registering for the service are simple and logical. During the start-up phase of "E-Postbrief", Deutsche Post warrants that the technical systems will be powered up in a controlled and stable manner. This is ensured by the process of securing an address upfront. Customers who register between July 14 and October 31, 2010 for "E-Postbrief" secure their own, personal "E-Postbrief" address at www.epost.de before going through the actual registration process. They will then be sent a registration code by letter or text message which enables them to register online. From November this year, new customers will be able to register directly for "E-Postbrief" without a registration code.

Securing an address and registration during the start-up phase of "E-Postbrief" (July 14 to October 31, 2010)

1. Customers secure their personal "E-Postbrief" address at www.epost.de. It consists of first name, surname, a multi-digit number (if necessary) (4 digits max.) and ends in "@epost.de". Example: john.doe1972@epost.de. The number following the surname is used to prevent any mix-up of people with identical surnames. If you act quickly now, you can secure your favorite number or will even be able to get an address without numbers - provided you are the first to register this particular name.
2. Customers then receive their registration code by letter or text message.
3. Following this, they can go to www.epost.de to register: Here, customers enter their personal data and specify their personal user password.
4. At the end of the registration process the customers print out a coupon for the Postident process.
5. With this coupon and an ID card or passport the customers can go through the Postident process at a Deutsche Post retail outlet.
6. A few days later they will receive a letter confirming the activation of their "E-Postbrief" account - and that's it, ready to go.

Registration process after October 31, 2010

1. Customers register at www.epost.de and receive their personal "E-Postbrief" address. They then enter their personal data and specify their personal user password.
2. At the end of the registration process the customers print out a coupon for the Postident process.
3. With this coupon and an ID card or passport the customers can go through the Postident process at a Deutsche Post retail outlet.
4. A few days later they will receive a letter confirming the activation of their "E-Postbrief" account - and that's it, ready to go.