Apply for an identity card

If you have German citizenship, you can apply for an 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 height changes, this does not invalidate your ID card.

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 mandatory.

• Proof of identity, for example
  • old identity card
  • valid passport or children's passport
• Biometric digital passport photo: taken on site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
• Birth certificate, if applicable
• If applicable, document with current name, for example
  • Birth certificate, marriage certificate, marriage certificate
  • family register
  • Declaration on the use of name
• For applications for children under the age of 16:
  • Declaration of consent from the legal guardian if a parent with custody is not present
  • If there is only one legal guardian, additional proof of custody
  • Original or copy of the proof of identity of the legal guardian who is not present

• You or the child for whom the application is to be made have German citizenship
• for children under the age of 16:
  • You have parental authority.
  • Your child is present when the application is submitted.

If you are applying for an ID card outside the city or municipality in which you have your main residence:

• You provide an important reason why you are not applying for the ID card at the ID card authority in the town or city where you have your main residence.

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.

It usually takes at least 2 weeks from the date of application before you can collect your ID card from the Citizens' Registration Office.

A fee reduction or exemption is possible under certain conditions.

For applicants under the age of 24. Fee reductions or exemptions are possible for people in need. This is at the discretion of the identity card authority.: Fee 22,80 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

For the temporary identity card. Fee reductions or exemptions are possible for people in need. This is at the discretion of the identity card authority.: Fee 10,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Additional fee for applications submitted outside office hours or not at the main place of residence. Fee reductions or exemptions are possible for people in need. This is at the discretion of the ID card authority.: Fee 13,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

For applicants aged 24 and over. Fee reductions or exemptions are possible for people in need. This is at the discretion of the identity card authority.: Fee 37,00 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 (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Gebühr bei Versand an Ihre Wohnadresse: Fee 15,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Zuschlag zur Gebühr für Ausstellung durch konsularische oder diplomatische Vertretung im Ausland: Fee 30,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

If your ID card is stolen or lost, you must report this to the police or an ID card authority. In these cases, the authorities will report the online ID card to the blocking hotline and arrange for it to be blocked.

The EU logo introduced on the front of the ID card from August 2, 2021 does not invalidate ID cards without this logo.