Identification and passport documents

Since November 1, 2010, the new ID card has been issued.
It has the convenient size of a credit card, and all data printed on the card is also stored digitally.
Additionally, the passport photo and, on request of the holder, also the fingerprints are stored
digitally. The new ID card also offers new functions and numerous possibilities of use in the online
world.

Further information on the ID card and its functions
www.personalausweisportal.de

General information about the ID card

When traveling within the European Union, German citizens only have to carry their ID card with
them. For all other countries, travel agencies or the embassy of the relevant country provide
information on whether travelers need to carry a passport.

Issuance of ID card

The application for the issuance of an ID card is filed by a registry office staff member. It is therefore necessary to appear at the Citizens Advice Bureau in person.

For applicants younger than 16 years, the application has to be filed together with a legal guardian. In such case it is obligatory to submit the Statement of Consent filled in and signed by the other parent. The other legal representative's documents may be handed in later, or submitted directly when filing the application.

The following documents have to be submitted:

• a (long form) birth certificate or marriage certificate (incl. translation, if applicable)
• 1 up-to-date biometric photo (not older than 1 year)
• the current ID card or passport, child passport

The application is sent to the Bundesdruckerei (Federal Printing Office) in Berlin, where the ID card is manufactured. The processing period for an ID card generally is 2-3 weeks.

Please note the following information for the collection of the ID card:

• it is obligatory to submit the old ID document
• if it is not possible to collect the ID card personally, the person collecting the ID card has to submit the signed Authorization Letter to Collect Documents below
• the person authorized has to prove his/her identity by submitting a valid ID card or passport

Fees

General information on passports

For travels within the European Union, an ID card suffices for German citizens. Information on passport requirements for other countries can be requested at the foreign office (Auswärtiges Amt), your travel agency or the embassy of the relevant country.

Issue of a passport

The original application form for the issue of a passport is filled in with the assistance of a Citizens Advice Bureau employee.
Presence in person is required since the application form has to be signed personally. For minors, the applicant has to file the application with assistance of a person entitled to custody.

The following has to be submitted:

• a certificate of birth, descent or marriage, or the family register
• 1 current biometric photo
• the old ID card or passport, child ID card/passport

The application is sent to the Federal Printing Office in Berlin where the passport is manufactured.
A processing period of 4 - 6 weeks for a passport has to be expected.

Fee

A passport costs 60.00 EUR.

Express Passport

It is also possible to apply for an Express Passport which is manufactured within 3 days by the Federal Printing Office.
Fee: 32.00 EUR

48-page passport

For persons traveling a lot and therefore requiring more than the normal amount of pages, there is a 48-page passport.
Fee: 22.00 EUR

First issue

The application for the issue or extension of a child passport has to be filed at the Citizens Advice Bureau. Children of 10 years or older have to sign personally.

Please bring the following documents for the application:

• Certificate of birth
• current biometric photo (not older than one year)
• fee: 13.00 EUR

Extension

An extension of the validity of a child passport is only possible if the extension is effected prior to the expiration of the validity. An extension of the validity after its expiration is inadmissible.
Please bring the following documents for the application for extension:

• Child passport and ceritifcate of birth
• current biometric photo
• Children of 10 years or older have to sign personally
• fee: 6.00 EUR

For the first issue as well as for the extension of a child passport, the presence of the child (irrespective of the age of the child) as well as of a legal representative is required.

Validity

With its first issue, a child passport is valid for one year, however, validity terminates on the child's 12th birthday in any case.
After the 12th birthday, only a passport and/or ID card can be issued.

Acceptance

Generally, child passports suffice as proof of identity for entering EU countries. Information on the entry requirements of other countries is available on request or under www.auswaertiges-amt.de.
 

Citizens of the European Union as well as citizens of a member state of the European Economic Area can apply for an eID card at the corresponding community authorities.

For citizens of a member state of the European Union or a contracting member state of the European Economic Area Agreement who are not German citizens according to Art. 116 Sec. 1 Basic Law, a card with electronic identification function (eID card) will be issued on application.

The eID card is neither an identification document nor a passport but enables electronic identification for eGovernment services with highest level of confidence. Additionally it can be used for an on-the-spot data readout without media disruption to exchange form data in the presence of the parties involved.

Since the eID card is exclusively meant for online use but not as identification document or passport, it does not bear information like photograph, signature, body height or color of eyes. Particular information (e.g. address or citizenship) is only stored on the electronic storage media (chip).

Issuance of an eID card

The application for issuance of an eID card is prepared by an officer of the Citizens Advice Bureau. It is therefore necessary to visit the Citizens Advice Bureau in person.
The eID card can only be issued for persons as of 16 years of age and has a validity period of 10 years.

Please submit

• approved and valid foreign passport or ID card
• For persons not subject to registration in Germany: evidence of place of residence or address

The application will be sent to the Bundesdruckerei (Federal Printing Office) in Berlin where the eID card will be manufactured. The processing time for an eID card is approx. 2-3 weeks.

Fees

• Fee for the issuance of an eID card: 37.00 EUR
• For sending the PIN letter to a foreign address: reimbursement of corresponding costs