The invention relates to a method for activating a portable data carrier in which a first portable data carrier is supplied in an inactive state to a user, after the user has requested the first data carrier with the aid of a second portable data carrier from a central instance, whereby the first and the second data carrier have access to authentication data for mutual authentication. The current mirror circuit mirrors the reference current and generates mirror currents at a number of output circuit paths. The test circuit uses a scan test point circuit to prevent unknown values from propagating through the test circuit, thus keeping the unknown values from influencing the test result. Enabling retrieval of the activation certificate directly from the license configuration file enables immediate use of the software application. According to another embodiment, the setting is coupled to a slotted basket via a magnet.