The invention relates to a method for producing a security element and a transfer film. The transfer film comprises a base film (10) comprising a first carrier film (11) and single or multi-ply decal layer. A first adhesive layer (30) and a second carrier film (40) are applied to the surface of the first carrier film (11) facing away from the decal layer, such that the first adhesive layer (30) is disposed between the first carrier film (11) and the second carrier film (40). The first adhesive layer (30) is activated in a first area (31) covering at least one first partial area (21) of the base film (10), and the first adhesive layer is not activated, not provided, only partially provided, or deactivated in a second area (32) adjacent to said first area (31). The first carrier film (11) is then at least partially separated along the boundary line defining the at least one first partial area (21) and separating the at least one first partial area (21) from a second partial area (22) of the base film (10). A second part of the base film (10) comprising the second partial area (22) is pulled off of the second carrier film (40), wherein the base film (10) adheres to the second carrier film (40) in the at least one first partial area (21) due to the activated first adhesive layer, and a first part of the base film (10) comprising the at least one first partial area (21) remains on the second carrier film (40).