The Leitweg-ID (also called Buyer Reference) is a routing identifier that is mandatory for e-invoices to public sector recipients in Germany.
What is the Leitweg-ID?
The Leitweg-ID is a structured identifier assigned to the recipient. It serves to route the invoice to the correct department within the administration.
Format: The Leitweg-ID follows a fixed schema:
[Coarse addressee]-[Fine addressee]-[Check digit]
Example: 991-12345-67
When is it required?
- For all invoices to federal authorities
- For many invoices to state authorities and municipalities (depending on the federal state)
- When the recipient explicitly requests a Leitweg-ID
Where do I enter it?
In Billance, you'll find the Leitweg-ID / Buyer Reference field in the Recipient section of the invoice creation. Enter the ID provided by the recipient.
What happens without a Leitweg-ID?
- The invoice will be rejected by public authorities
- Billance validation will show an error
- The recipient cannot assign the invoice
Tips
- Ask the recipient for the Leitweg-ID before creating the invoice
- Save the Leitweg-ID in the contact profile of the recipient — it will be automatically applied for future invoices
- Some recipients use a Purchase Order Reference instead — clarify beforehand which information is needed
For all other invoices
For B2B invoices to businesses (non-public sector), the Leitweg-ID is usually not required. The field can be left empty or filled with an internal reference number of the recipient.