Apply for a provisional passport
Online services
Do you need a new passport immediately? Then you can apply for a temporary passport.
What do I need to know?
Service description
You will have to wait at least two weeks for a regular passport. An express passport takes around three to four working days. If this is not fast enough for your travel plans, you can apply for a temporary passport. You will need to provide the Bürgeramt with a reason for this.
You will receive the temporary passport immediately upon application, so you do not have to wait for it.
The temporary passport does not contain an electronic storage medium (chip). Therefore, your fingerprints will not be recorded.
In some countries, such as the USA, visa-free entry is only possible with a passport that contains a chip. If you want to enter these countries with a temporary passport, you will therefore also need a visa.
You can find out about the current entry requirements for your destination country and the required identification documents from the U.S. Department of State.
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 city hall. 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.
Application
- In person
: We require a signature and fingerprints. - For minors: Parents must generally be present.
- It is not mandatory for both parents to be present. A written consent form from the absent parent is also sufficient.
- For parents living together, we require a written consent form from the absent parent.
- For separated parents, we do not require a declaration of consent as long as the absent parent agrees to the child’s habitual residence (the child living with the parent making the application).
- For unmarried mothers, we generally assume sole custody.
- For unmarried fathers, we require proof of the granted custody.
- For children:
- They must be present when applying, regardless of the child’s age.
- Children aged 10 and older must sign the application themselves. Signatures by younger children are permitted.
- Fingerprints are not taken from children under 6 years of age; this is done only after they turn 6.
- We generally issue passports to individuals aged 12 and older.
- However, issuance for persons between 0 and 18 years of age is also possible, as the ID card is not recognized in some countries.
Issuance We issue
the temporary passport immediately.
Validity:
The validity period is 1 year.
Note
: Please check the relevant entry requirements (e.g., from the U.S. Department of State). A temporary passport is not sufficient for transit flights through the U.S.
Prerequisites
- It is no longer possible to issue an express passport in time.
- You have German citizenship.
-
There must be no reasons for refusing to issue a passport. This includes, for example, the assumption that you would be subject to criminal prosecution
- criminal prosecution,
- enforcement of a sentence, or
- a legal maintenance obligation.
- Your primary residence is in Mainz.
- If this is not the case, you must obtain a pass authorization beforehand.
Procedure
- You must apply for the temporary passport in person.
- The application is filled out on site at the citizens' office. All you have to do is sign it.
- You will receive your temporary passport immediately.
Remark
- Information on the German passport on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) (opens in a new tab)
- Information on passports and identity cards on the website of the Federal Foreign Office (AA) (opens in a new tab)
- Information on the security of the destination country or transit country and on the required documents on the website of the Federal Foreign Office (AA) (opens in a new tab)
What else should I know?
- You cannot change your name in the temporary passport retrospectively.
- If you lose your temporary passport, you must report this immediately.
Legal basis
Deadlines
- Validity period: 1 year
The validity period of the temporary passport is adjusted to the purpose of the trip and is limited to a maximum of one year. It cannot be extended.
Processing time
Processing will take place immediately.
What do I need to bring or submit?
- Biometric digital passport photo: taken on site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
- Previous passport or identity card
- If applicable, civil status certificate, such as birth or marriage certificate
-
If applicable, proof that the temporary passport is necessary, for example:
- Airline tickets
- Other travel documents
How much does it cost and how can I pay?
Fees
- Fee: EUR 26.
00 The fee is independent of your age. - Fee: EUR 96.
00 Application abroad, for example, if your passport was stolen while on vacation. - Fee: €52.00
For applications in a municipality other than your home municipality.
Payment methods
Cash / EC
Similar services
Contact us
Address
Bürgerservice
Stadthaus Kaiserstraße Lauteren-Flügel
Kaiserstraße 3
55116 Mainz
Postal address
55026 Mainz
Telephone, fax and e-mail address
Your way to us
Opening hours
If you would like to speak with us in person, please make an appointment in advance.
The opening hours of the Citizen Services Office are:
Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Customers with appointments should present the appointment confirmation sent to them via email at the information desk. You will then be granted entry. Please arrive on time for your appointment—not too early, but also not late. This is the only way we can ensure safety measures are followed.
Please note that almost all services can also be provided at the local administrative offices.
Accessibility
Information on accessibility
- Barrier-free access is available
- The WC is barrier-free
Information on public transportation
Bus stop: Central station
Lines: 6, 9, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 62, 63,
67, 69, 76, 68, 69, 76, 79, 80, 81, 90, 91, 92, 93, 630,
652, 653, 654, 660
Parking garage Bonifaziustürme and parking garage Cityport
Further information
The entrance for mail and goods deliveries is located in Bonifaziusstraße.
Night mailboxes are located at
- Stadthaus Große Bleiche, Löwenhofstr. 1, to the left of the sliding door and at the
- Stadthaus Kaiserstraße, Lauterenflügel, Kaiserstr. 3- 5, to the right of the entrance door