If you are a German citizen, you can apply for an identity card.

If you are 16 years of age or older and do not have a valid passport, you must apply for an identity card. 

You can submit the application to the ID card office in the city or municipality where you have your primary residence. This is usually the city hall or municipal office.
If you have a valid reason, you can also apply for an ID card at an office in any other city or municipality. This may result in additional costs.

All ID cards issued from July 2017 onward automatically have an activated online ID function. This allows you to verify your identity online with government agencies and companies. You may use the online ID card after your 16th birthday. When you apply for an ID card, you will receive a one-time PIN to set a six-digit PIN of your choice. After that, you can use the online ID card.

When you apply for your ID card, the fingerprints of both your index fingers are usually stored on the card’s chip. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from this requirement.

Your ID card becomes invalid before its expiration date if

• the information on it is no longer accurate
  . Exception: If only your address or height changes, this will not invalidate your ID card

or

• your photo is no longer clearly suitable for identification. This can be the case in particular with ID cards for infants or very young children

You may enter all countries of the European Union (EU) as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland with your valid ID card. A passport is not strictly required.

If you urgently need an identification document, you can first apply for a temporary ID card. This is valid for a maximum of 3 months.

• You, or the child for whom the application is being filed, are a German citizen
• For children under 16: 
  • You have parental authority.
  • Your child is present when you submit the application.

If you are applying for an ID card outside the city or municipality where you have your primary residence:

• You must provide a valid reason why you are not applying for the ID card at the ID card office in the city where you have your primary residence.

You must apply for your ID card in person at the Citizens' Office.

If you apply for your ID card at a location other than your primary residence, you must have a valid reason, and a surcharge will be added to the fee. If you contact the Citizens’ Office of your choice in advance, you can find out whether and to what extent the office will accept your reason.

• Young people aged 16 and older can apply for an ID card on their own. Until they turn 18, young people may be accompanied by individuals with legal authority to represent them.
• For children and young people under 16, all parents with custody must submit the application jointly. Children and young people must always appear in person, as the citizens’ office verifies their identity. Additionally, they must sign the application if they are 10 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Fingerprints are recorded for storage in the ID card’s chip if the child is 6 years of age or older. 
• You will receive a personal identification number (PIN) and the unlock code (PUK) for the ID card in a sealed envelope.

• At many Citizens’ Offices, you can schedule a pickup appointment online, by email, or by phone. Alternatively, you can have the ID document sent by mail to your home address within Germany and have it delivered in person to your front door or at a post office.

You can find out what options your local government office offers on its website, for example.

• If your ID card is stolen or lost, you must report it to the police or an ID card issuing authority. In such cases, the authority will report the online ID card to the blocking hotline and arrange for it to be blocked.
• The EU logo on the front of the ID card, introduced on August 2, 2021, does not render ID cards without this logo invalid.

You must apply for a new ID card immediately if

• your old ID card has expired, you are over 16 years old, and you do not have a valid passport.

• Validity period: 6 years
  for applicants under 24 years of age
• Validity period: 10 years
  for applicants aged 24 and older

Once you submit your application, it usually takes at least two weeks before you can pick up your ID card at the municipal office or receive it at your doorstep or at a post office.

The municipal administrative authority of your city, municipality, or independent municipality is responsible.

• Old identification document, regardless of whether it is still valid or has already expired:
  • old ID card or passport
  • old child's passport
• if no old ID card or passport is available:
  • Birth certificate
• Biometric digital passport photo: taken on-site at the government office or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
• if applicable, a document showing your current name, for example
  • birth, marriage, or marriage certificate 
  • Family register
  • Declaration regarding the use of the name
• For applications for children under 16:
  • Parents with custody:
    • Valid identification document (ID card or passport) for each parent
    • If only one custodial parent is present: A declaration of consent from the absent custodial parent, as well as a copy of their ID
  • If only one parent with custody is present:
    • Valid identification document (ID card or passport)
    • Proof of custody

A fee reduction or waiver is possible under certain conditions.

• Fee: 6.00 EUR
  for a passport photo if the agency uses the PointID photo system from Bundesdruckerei GmbH. If the agency uses photo systems from other manufacturers, the fee may vary.
• Fee: 46.00 EUR
  for applicants aged 24 and older
• Fee: 10.00 EUR
  for the temporary ID card
• Fee: 13.00 EUR
  surcharge for applications submitted outside of office hours or not at the applicant’s primary residence
• Fee: 15.00 EUR
  for delivery to your residential address
• Fee: 43.00 EUR
  surcharge for issuance by a consular or diplomatic mission abroad
• Fee: 27.60 EUR
  for applicants under 24 years of age
• Fee: 30.00 EUR
  Surcharge for issuance by a non-competent domestic authority if you have your habitual residence abroad