Identification Card; Application for Exemption from the Requirement to Carry Identification

Germans, as defined in Article 116(1) of the Basic Law, are required to carry a valid identification document once they reach the age of 16 and are subject to the general registration requirement, or—even if they are not subject to that requirement—reside primarily in Germany.

The competent identity card authority may exempt persons from the requirement to carry an identity card

1. for whom a guardian has been appointed not merely by a temporary order, or who lack legal capacity or the capacity to give consent and are represented by an authorized representative holding a publicly certified power of attorney,
2. who are expected to be permanently housed in a hospital, a nursing home, or a similar facility, or
3. who, due to a permanent disability, are unable to move about in public on their own.

When you apply for an exemption, you will receive an official letter from the identity card authority. This does not extend the validity of your old identification document.

Please note that a valid ID card is required for identification procedures using the online ID (eID of the ID card) or, for example, PostIdent. This also applies to travel abroad.

You can apply for a new ID card at any time.

Jurisdiction

The municipality in which you are registered for your residence—or, if you have multiple residences, for your primary residence—is responsible for granting an exemption from the ID requirement.

• The individual in question holds German citizenship as defined in Article 116(1) of the Basic Law.
• A formal application is submitted to the relevant municipality by the person concerned (if 16 years of age or older), their legal guardian, an authorized representative, or at the request of the guardian.
• A guardian has been appointed for the person, or the person lacks legal capacity or the capacity to give consent and is represented by an authorized representative holding a notarized power of attorney.
• The person is expected to be permanently housed in a hospital, a nursing home, or a similar facility.
• The person is unable to move about in public on their own due to a permanent disability.

If you have valid German identification documents, you are not required to present identification.

The official letter granting an exemption from the ID requirement does not extend the validity of the old ID document.

The previous ID card will be collected or invalidated after its expiration date.

If your local authority has exempted you from the identification requirement but you now wish to carry out identification procedures using the online ID (eID of the national ID card) or, for example, PostIdent, you will need a valid national ID card. You can apply for a new national ID card at any time.

For more information and details on processing times, please contact your local ID card office.

• When submitting an application as a guardian, authorized representative, or custodial parent, please provide the appropriate documentation
• If applicable, documentation supporting the basis for the exemption
• Previous official identification documents of the person to be exempted from the identification requirement.

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