Identity card

As a person with German citizenship, you can have an identity card issued.

If you are 16 years or older and do not have a valid passport, you must apply for an ID card.

You can submit the application to the identity card authority in the town or municipality where you have your main residence. This is usually the town hall or citizens' office.
If there is an important reason, you can also apply for an ID card at an authority in any other town or municipality. This may incur additional costs.

All ID cards issued from July 2017 onwards automatically have an activated online ID function. This allows you to identify yourself to authorities and companies online. You can use the online ID card after your 16th birthday. When you apply for an ID card, you will receive a one-time PIN so that you can set a six-digit PIN of your choice. You can then use the online ID card.

When you apply for your ID card, the prints of your two index fingers are stored on a chip in the card. Children under the age of 6 are excluded from this regulation.

Your ID card becomes invalid before the period of validity expires if

• entries no longer apply or
• your photo is no longer clearly suitable for identification purposes. This may be the case in particular with ID cards for infants or very young children

Exception: If only your address or your height changes, your ID card will not become invalid.

You can enter all countries of the European Union (EU) as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland with your valid ID card. A passport is not absolutely necessary.

In plain language: Information on the ID card (opens in a new tab)

• Another identification document (e.g. passport)
  and/or a civil status certificate (e.g. birth certificate)
  to prove the identity of the applicant.

• Due to changes to the Passport and ID Card Ordinance and other regulations, from 01.05.2025 only digitally available certified biometric photographs can be accepted by passport and ID card authorities. Printed and personal digital photographs are no longer permitted.
  
  
• You can have the certified biometric photo and signature taken directly at our terminals in the Citizens' Office. Please arrive in good time before your appointment (at least 15 minutes beforehand); the terminals with multilingual user interface are located in the waiting area.
  
  
• The fee for the photo at the Citizens' Office is €6.00 and is charged together with the passport or ID card fees.
  
  
• Important note: Children can only have their biometric photo taken at the Citizens' Office if they are taller than 120 cm. For babies and children up to 120 cm, please have a photo taken at a certified photo studio or drugstore. You will receive a QR code there, which you should bring with you.

If another person collects your ID card for you, you can download a corresponding power of attorney below (under Links and Downloads). The person collecting the card must be at least 16 years old.

• EUR 46.00 for applicants aged 24 and over
• EUR 27.60 for applicants under 24 years of age
• EUR 27.60 for the 1st identity card for children and young people (applicants under the age of 24)
• EUR 10.00 for the temporary identity card
• EUR 13.00 surcharge (outside office hours, for authorities not responsible)
• EUR 30.00 surcharge for issuance by consular or diplomatic representation abroad
• Fee reduction or exemption possible for people in need (at the discretion of the identity card authority)

You must apply for a new ID card immediately if

• the validity of your old ID card has expired,
• you are over 16 years old and
• you do not have a valid passport document.

• Period of validity 6 years
  for applicants under 24 years of age
• Period of validity 10 years
  for applicants aged 24 and over