Starting May 1, 2025, we will only be allowed to use 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 terminal at the municipal office. These terminals are currently available at the Citizen Service Center in the Stadthaus on Kaiserstrasse and at the local administrative offices in Altstadt and Hartenberg-Münchfeld.

Photos taken at the Citizen Service Center can be retrieved by all local administrative offices within 14 days. Photos taken at the Altstadt and Hartenberg-Münchfeld local administrative offices are available for only 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 your fingerprints.

In urgent cases, you can obtain a temporary ID card. An additional fee applies.

Validity

• People under 24 years of age: valid for 6 years
• People 24 years of age and older: Valid for 10 years

You can pick up your 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 ID card is stolen or goes missing, you must report it to the police or an ID card issuing authority (e.g., city hall or the citizens' office).

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.

• Biometric digital passport photo: taken on-site at the government office or by a registered domestic photography service provider (photographer)
• old identification document, regardless of whether it is valid or has already expired, for example, a child’s passport, passport, or national ID card
• If no identification document is available: birth certificate
• For children under 16 years of age:
  • Legal guardians:
    • Valid identification document (ID card or passport) for each parent
    • if only one parent with custody is present: a written consent form from the parent with custody who is not present, 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

If your primary residence is in Mainz, the following fees apply:

•  27.60 euros (under 24 years of age)
•  46.00 euros (24 years and older)
•  ID card sleeves: 2 euros

If your primary residence is not in Mainz but is located within Germany, the following fees apply:

•  40.60 euros (under 24 years of age)
•  59.00 euros (24 years and older)

If your primary residence is abroad, the following fees apply:

•  57.60 euros (under 24 years of age)
•  76.00 euros (24 years and older)

Since May 1, 2025, a photo taken at the self-service terminal at the Citizen Service Center costs 6 euros.

Cash/EC