Starting May 1, 2025, we will only be able to accept digital photos for passport and ID card applications that are taken at a certified photo studio or drugstore (where you will receive a code) or directly at a self-service kiosk at the municipal office. These terminals are currently available at the Citizen Service Center in the City Hall on Kaiserstrasse and at the local administration offices in Altstadt and Hartenberg-Münchfeld.
The photo taken at the Citizen Service Center can be accessed by all local administration offices within 14 days. Photos taken at the Altstadt and Hartenberg-Münchfeld local administration offices are only available for 96 hours and are then automatically deleted.
German citizens are required to have an identification document starting at age 16.
An exception applies if you already have a valid passport.
Application:
- In person:
You must sign the application and provide fingerprints.
In urgent cases, you can obtain a temporary ID card. An additional fee applies.
Validity
- Persons under 24 years of age: Valid for 6 years
- Persons 24 years of age and older: valid for 10 years
You can pick up the ID card approximately 3 weeks after submitting your application. The Federal Printing Office will not notify you.
In the event of a violation, we impose fines:
Up to 2 months: verbal warning
Up to 4 months: 30 euros
Up to 6 months: 55 euros
After that, we may initiate a fine proceeding.
If your identity card is stolen or lost, you must report this to the police.
If you have just turned 16, are a German citizen, and are registered in Germany, you must submit your application immediately if you do not have a valid passport or temporary passport.
- Validity period: 6 years
For applicants under the age of 24. - Validity period: 10 years
For applicants over the age of 24.
For orders and pick-ups at local government offices, you should expect a waiting period of approximately 4 weeks.
