Apply for exemption from the identification requirement for permanently housed persons

If you are likely to be permanently accommodated in a hospital, nursing home or similar facility, you can be exempted from the obligation to have an ID card. The application can also be submitted by a representative.

For a resident, you as a caregiver can arrange for the exemption from the ID requirement.

If you are likely to be permanently accommodated in a hospital, nursing home or similar facility, you may be exempt from the obligation to have an ID card. This is the case, for example, if you are no longer able to live in your home due to your state of health.

If you are no longer able to apply for exemption yourself, a representative can do this for you. You can revoke an existing exemption from the identification requirement at any time. All you need to do is apply for an identity card or passport.

Your identity card authority at your place of residence, where you are registered with your main residence, is responsible.

• written application
• if available: Your old identity card or your old passport
• Proof that you are likely to be permanently accommodated in a hospital, nursing home or similar facility, for example by a certificate from your general practitioner, hospital, nursing home or nursing service
• in the case of an application by a person representing you:
  • Proof of power of representation, for example by means of a power of attorney or a
  • carer's identity card
  • ID document of the person representing you, for example
  • identity card or passport

• Forms available: Yes
• Written form required: Yes
• Informal application possible: Yes
• Personal appearance necessary: No
• Online services available: No

• You must have German citizenship.
• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You are likely to be permanently accommodated in a hospital, nursing home or similar facility.
• You must be registered as having your main residence in your municipality/city.

• Complaint to the superior authority, alternatively the Ministry of the Interior of the federal state

You must apply in writing for exemption from the ID card requirement.

• You or a person representing you must submit an informal application or complete an application form for exemption from the ID card requirement from your local ID card authority
• You or a person representing you sign the application.
• You enclose the necessary documents (see "What documents are required?").
• You send the application and the documents to the relevant ID card authority in your municipality/city or
• You or the person representing you go to the relevant authority in person.
• The authority will issue you with a permanent certificate stating that you are exempt from the ID card requirement.

There are no costs.