Peppol ID: Structure, Example & How to Get One

Updated: 2026-06-28

A Peppol ID (Peppol participant ID) is the unique address that identifies a participant in the Peppol network — so that invoices can be routed automatically to exactly that recipient. It works like a postal address inside the network.

Structure of a Peppol ID

A Peppol ID always has the form <scheme>:<identifier>. The scheme is a so-called Electronic Address Scheme (EAS) — a four-digit code that states which kind of identifier follows.

scheme : identifier
9930   : DE123456789

A German company is often addressed via its VAT number, using the scheme 9930 (German VAT). Other schemes exist too, for example:

• 0088 — GLN (Global Location Number)
• 0204 — Leitweg-ID (for German public authorities)
• 9930 — German VAT number

Which scheme applies depends on the identifier your recipient is reachable through.

How do I get a Peppol ID?

You do not register a Peppol ID directly with OpenPeppol. Instead you turn to a certified Peppol Access Point or service provider, who:

1. registers your identifier in the Peppol directory (SML/SMP),
2. makes you discoverable to other participants,
3. handles sending and receiving over the network.

Only after this registration does your identifier become an active Peppol address that others can send to.

Peppol ID vs. Leitweg-ID

The two are easily confused but fundamentally different:

• The Peppol ID is a network address in the Peppol transport network.
• The Leitweg-ID is the routing identifier that is mandatory on an XRechnung to German public authorities (B2G) — it sits inside the document and is not a Peppol address.

Via the scheme 0204 a Leitweg-ID can also be used as a Peppol address for German authorities. Peppol is the network and transport; the document format carried on it is usually Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (UBL), which enables cross-border exchange within the EU.

Do I even need Peppol?

Not necessarily. Many small businesses sending domestic B2B or B2G invoices manage without Peppol: XRechnung and ZUGFeRD can also be exchanged by email. A Peppol ID is mainly worthwhile when a recipient explicitly requires receipt via the network, or when you invoice electronically across borders.

Whatever the delivery channel, the format still has to be correct (EN 16931). You can create and check your e-invoice in the browser before sending it.