If you are unable to go out in public on your own due to a disability, you may be exempt from the requirement to carry identification—that is, the requirement to have an ID card.

This is the case, for example, if you are no longer able to leave the house on your own due to a disability.
You can revoke this exemption at any time. To do so, simply apply for an ID card or a passport.

• You must be a German citizen.
• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You are unable to move about in public on your own due to a permanent disability.
• You must be registered as having your primary residence in your municipality.

You must apply in writing for an exemption from the identification requirement.

• You must fill out the application for exemption from the ID requirement in full, or
• you or a guardian must sign the application.
• Enclose the necessary documents.
• Send the application and the required documents to the responsible ID card authority in your municipality, or
• go in person to the responsible authority.
• The authority will issue you a certificate with no expiration date confirming that you are exempt from the ID requirement.
• If you submit the application in person, you will receive confirmation of the exemption immediately. If you submit the application in writing, the responsible office will mail you the confirmation.

Appeal to the higher-level authority, or alternatively to the state’s Ministry of the Interior

• Written application
• if available: your old ID card or your old passport
• Proof that you are unable to participate in public life on your own, for example, a certificate from your primary care physician, the hospital, the nursing home, or the home care service
• If you lack legal capacity or the capacity to give consent: the original, notarized power of attorney
• If the application is submitted by a representative:
  • Proof of authority to act as a representative, for example, a power of attorney or a guardian ID
  • The representative’s identification document, such as an ID card or passport