Identity card; application for exemption from the identification 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.

The competent identity card authority may exempt persons from the obligation to hold an identity card,

1. for whom a guardian has been appointed by more than a temporary order or who are incapable of acting or consenting and are represented by an authorized representative with a publicly certified power of attorney,
2. who are likely to be permanently accommodated in a hospital, nursing home or similar institution, or
3. who are unable to move about in public on their own due to a permanent disability.

When applying for an exemption, you will receive an official letter from the ID card authority. This does not extend the validity of the old ID document.

Please note that a valid ID card is required for identification processes with the online ID card (eID of the ID card) or, for example, with PostIdent. This also applies when traveling abroad.

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

Responsibility

The municipality in which you are registered for your home, or your main home if you have more than one home, is responsible for exempting you from the ID card requirement.

• The person concerned has German citizenship within the meaning of Art. 116 Para. 1 of the German Basic Law.
• A formal application is submitted to the relevant local authority by the person concerned (from the age of 16), their legal guardian, authorized representative or at the request of the guardian.
• A guardian has been appointed for the person or the person is incapable of acting or consenting and is represented by an authorized representative or a representative with a publicly certified power of attorney.
• The person is likely to be permanently accommodated in a hospital, nursing home or similar facility.
• The person is unable to move about alone in public due to a permanent disability.

If you have a valid German identity document, you do not need to be exempted from the ID requirement.

The official letter exempting you from the ID requirement does not extend the validity of the old ID document.

If your authority has exempted you from the ID card requirement and you would now like to carry out identification processes with the online ID card (eID of the ID card) or, for example, with PostIdent, you will need a valid ID card. You can apply for a new ID card at any time.

For more information and information on processing times, please contact your local identity card authority.

• If applying as a guardian, authorized representative or custodian, submission of appropriate proof
• Proof of the reason for exemption, if applicable
• Previous official identification documents of the person who is to be exempted from the identification requirement.

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