What is the Leitweg-ID?

What it is used for

Authorities are large and complex. The Leitweg-ID directs the invoice within the administration to the responsible party – comparable to a cost center, but binding and machine-readable.

Where to obtain it

From the client. It is usually found in the order, contract or tender documents. Ask for it before issuing the first invoice – not afterwards.

Where it belongs

In the designated field of the e-invoice (Buyer Reference), not in the invoice text or purpose. An entry in the wrong place will not be recognized.

What can go wrong

• Missing – the invoice is rejected
• Outdated – for example after a reorganization of the authority – the invoice is lost
• Entered in free text – no system finds it

Practical Tip

Store the Leitweg-ID in the customer data record, not in your head or in an email. For recurring orders from the same authority, this avoids every inquiry – and prevents the use of an incorrect ID for months.

Only for authorities

In business between companies, there is no Leitweg-ID. There, communication happens via email address or Peppol-ID.