Applying for an ID card for the first time

Are you at least 16 years old? Then you must have a valid identity document that can be used to establish your identity. Younger children can also apply for an ID card if they wish, but there is no obligation to do so.

As a German citizen over the age of 16, you are required to have a valid identity card or a valid passport.

You can also apply for an ID card earlier if you wish.

You can use the ID card to identify yourself to authorities and companies. You can also travel to all countries in the European Union (EU).

You apply for your ID card at your local citizens' office at your main place of residence. Applications can be made at any other citizens' office if you have an important reason. In this case, a surcharge for lack of jurisdiction applies.

ID cards contain an electronic proof of identity, the so-called online ID card. This allows you to identify yourself online. You may use the online ID card after your 16th birthday.

The ID card is valid for 6 years, provided you are under 24 years old when you apply for it. It becomes invalid before the date of expiry entered on it if:

• Entries, for example surname or first name, no longer apply
  • except: address, size
• you are no longer clearly recognizable on your photo. This may be the case in particular with ID cards for infants or very young children.

If you wish, you can enter your e-mail address to receive a reminder approximately 6 months before the expiry date.

If you urgently need an ID document, you can first apply for a temporary ID card. This is valid for a maximum of 3 months.

• biometric digital passport photo: taken on site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
• if available and not yet validated: old children's passport (valid or already expired)
• if no identity document is available: birth certificate
• for children under the age of 16: if applicable, a declaration of consent from the custodial parent who is not present
  • if there is only one parent or legal guardian, additional proof of custody

The obligation to apply for an identity card applies to you if you:

• have German citizenship
• have reached the age of 16
• are registered in Germany
• do not have a valid passport document (passport or temporary passport)

For applications outside your main place of residence:

• You must be able to provide an important reason why you are not applying for the ID card at the ID card authority responsible for your main place of residence.

You must apply for your ID card in person at the Citizens' Registration Office.

If you do not apply for your ID card at your main place of residence, you will need an important reason and a surcharge will be added to the fee. If you contact your chosen Citizens' Registration Office in advance, you can find out whether and to what extent the Citizens' Registration Office will accept your reason.

• Young people aged 16 and over can apply for an ID card on their own. Up to the age of 18, young people can be accompanied by persons with legal power of representation.
• For children and young people under the age of 16, all custodial parents submit the application together. Children and young people must always appear in person, as the Citizens' Registration Office will check their identity. They must also sign if they are 10 years or older at the time of application.
• Fingerprints are taken for storage in the chip of the ID document if the child is 6 years or older.
• You will receive a secret number and the ID card unlocking number (PIN) in a sealed envelope.
• You can arrange a collection appointment online, by e-mail or by telephone at many citizens' offices. Alternatively, in many cases you can have the ID document sent to your home address by post and handed over in person at the front door.
• You can find out what options your local citizens' office offers on their website, for example.

If you have just turned 16, have German citizenship and are registered in Germany, the application must be submitted immediately unless you have a valid passport document, i.e. passport or temporary passport.

From the time of application, it usually takes at least 2 weeks until you can collect your identity card from the Bürgeramt.

A fee reduction or exemption is possible under certain conditions.

Für antragstellende Person ab 24 Jahren: Fee 37,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Für antragstellende Person unter 24 Jahren: Fee 22,80 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Für den vorläufigen Personalausweis: Fee 10,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Zuschlag bei Antragstellung außerhalb der Dienstzeit oder nicht am Hauptwohnsitz: Fee 13,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Zuschlag für Ausstellung durch konsularische oder diplomatische Vertretung im Ausland: Fee 30,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Gebühr für Passfoto, wenn die Behörde das Lichtbildsystem PointID der Bundesdruckerei GmbH verwendet. Verwendet die Behörde Lichtbildsysteme anderer Hersteller, darf das Entgelt abweichen.: Fee 6,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Gebühr bei Versand an Ihre Wohnadresse: Fee 15,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

If your ID card is stolen or lost, you must report this to the police.