Starting May 1, 2025, we will only be able to accept digital photos for passport and ID card applications that have been 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 Kaiserstrasse City Hall and at the local administrative offices in Altstadt, Hartenberg-Münchfeld, and Lerchenberg.
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
Up to 6 months: €55
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.
