ID card obligation Request exemption

Under certain conditions, you can be exempted from the ID requirement.

Germans within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law are obliged to possess a valid identity card as soon as they reach the age of 16 and are subject to the general registration obligation or, without being subject to it, reside predominantly in Germany. They must present it on request to an authority authorized to establish their identity and allow it to compare their face with the photo on the ID card.

The identification requirement can also be fulfilled by holding and presenting a valid passport or temporary passport.

The identification requirement also applies to persons serving a prison sentence from three months before their release.

The competent identity card authority can exempt you from the obligation to provide identification,

1. if a guardian has been appointed for you, not only by temporary order, or if you are incapable of acting or consenting and are represented by an authorized representative with a publicly certified power of attorney,
2. if you are likely to be permanently accommodated in a hospital, nursing home or similar institution, or
3. if you are unable to move around in public on your own due to a permanent disability.

If you have been exempted from the identification requirement, you can no longer use your ID card as an official identity document.

If the presentation of a valid identity card is required for identification purposes or is customary in everyday life, the official certificate of exemption does not replace a required identity card.

You will always need an identity document when traveling abroad. You can apply for a new identity card at any time after you have been granted exemption from the obligation to carry an identity card. You should then return the letter from the authorities stating that you are exempt from the ID requirement to the issuing authority.

Please contact the identity card office at your main place of residence.

Depending on the exemption, the following documents may be presented:

• In the case of persons under guardianship, the guardian's identity card and the identity card/passport of the guardian must be presented. The guardian's identity card must include at least the area of responsibility of determining where to stay.
• Many older people are cared for by relatives or other people close to them. In these cases, a health care proxy or general power of attorney has often been drawn up. In addition to these powers of attorney, further documents should be submitted to prove that the insured event has occurred. These can be medical certificates, but also proof of the existence of care levels.

• You are German or German within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law (GG).
• You are registered in the municipality with your main place of residence.

• You can apply for exemption from the ID card requirement in writing or by visiting the ID card authority at your main place of residence.
• If the relevant ID card authority offers an online service for exemption from the ID card requirement, you can submit the application via this service.

There are no deadlines to be observed.

Fee free of charge