Topics for Citizen: Identity Papers and Documents

      Papers, please! Germany has an identification requirement. This means that people over 16 must have a national identity card or a passport. There are also many other identity papers, documents and certificates that you can apply for, change or have certified.

      • Certificates (164)

        The public authorities can issue a range of certificates. For example, registry offices issue birth, marriage and death certificates from the civil status register.

      • Identity documents (82)

        How can I get a new national identity card? How and where can I use the online identification function? Where can I apply for amendments? This section provides information and contact details for government services related to identity documents such as national identity cards and passports.