Passport; application

! CHANGE AS OF 01.05.2025 !

In accordance with the Act to Strengthen Security in Passport, ID and Alien Law Documents of December 3, 2020, digital photographs must be used for applications for official documents from May 1, 2025 in order to prevent manipulated photographs from being introduced into the application process. Since May 1, 2025, the photograph can either continue to be taken by the photographer, who must upload the photograph to a secure cloud. You will receive a printout of a data matrix code (similar to a QR code), which the authority can use to find and download your photo in the cloud. Alternatively, the passport authority can offer to take photos electronically on site at the authority and transfer them to the application process without media discontinuity. Please contact the authority to find out whether it has devices for taking photos.

Since May 2, 2025, it has been possible to have requested German passports sent to the domestic registration address for an additional fee of €15.00 from the 18th birthday. This service is not available for express passports. The consignment may only be handed over to the addressee in person. Further information on direct delivery can be obtained from your passport authority.

The electronic passport (ePassport) is an official photo ID for Germans that entitles the holder to cross the border of the Federal Republic of Germany. The holder of a valid German passport satisfies the statutory identification requirement, meaning that no identity card is required.

The period of validity of the passport depends on the age of the applicant, whereby an extension of the validity is not possible:

• 6 years before the age of 24
• 10 years from the age of 24
• Temporary passport: maximum 1 year

Notes:

• Since November 1, 2007, fingerprints have also been included in the passport chip (from the age of six).
• Since November 1, 2010, the names of religious orders and artists have been included in passports again.
• No person may hold more than one passport issued by the Federal Republic of Germany unless a legitimate interest in the issue of more than one passport can be proven.
• A temporary passport may only be issued in justified, time-limited individual cases if it is not (or no longer) possible to issue a passport using the express procedure (see also under "Processing time").
• Since 01.03.2017, the third generation passport has been issued with new security features and materials.

Responsibility

The municipality in which you are registered for your residence, or your main residence if you have more than one residence, is responsible for issuing the passport.

For passport matters abroad, the Federal Foreign Office and the German diplomatic missions abroad designated by it are the competent passport authorities.

With the consent of the passport authority abroad, passport applications from Germans living abroad can be accepted and processed by passport authorities in Germany if an important reason is presented (e.g. if the journey to the competent passport authority is considerably further than to the passport authority without jurisdiction)."

You canuse this link to book an appointment to apply for a new passport.

• German within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law
• Submission of a formal application to the relevant municipality by the passport applicant or legal representative (e.g. in the case of joint custody by both parents, if they are not only temporarily separated, usually by the parent with whom the child usually resides alone) or guardian
• Representation by an authorized representative is not permitted
• The passport applicant (including the minor) must always appear in person at the passport authority to verify their identity.

You need a biometric photo (not older than six months).

After applying for a passport, Bundesdruckerei GmbH is commissioned by the passport authority to issue the passport.

You will be informed as soon as the document is ready for collection. Some municipalities instead provide an online service for information on the processing status. You will receive more information when you apply.

According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, it usually takes at least two weeks from the date of application before you can collect your passport from the Citizens' Office. In some cases, however, it can take several weeks. Please ensure that you have a valid passport and apply for your passport in good time. You can obtain more information from your local passport office.

In urgent and emergency cases, passports can be issued using the express procedure: If the express application is received by Bundesdruckerei GmbH by 12:00 noon, the passport will usually be ready for collection from the passport authority on the following third working day (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, count).

Temporary passport: Issuance and delivery are possible immediately.

• Previous official identification document (passport, identity card or children's passport)
• Current biometric digital photograph (frontal view)
• For first-time issuance (this may also include new arrivals) or on specific occasions, usually other documents, e.g. civil status certificates, citizenship certificates
• for passport applicants under the age of 18:
  in the case of parents living together who have joint parental responsibility, the application can be made by one parent with the written consent of the other parent, whereby the signature of the other parent should be checked by the passport authority
• if there is only one legal guardian: proof of custody
• Proof of temporary passport:
  

  When issuing a temporary passport, the passport authorities may require the submission of appropriate evidence to demonstrate that a passport is needed immediately and that it will not be possible to issue a passport using the express procedure until the date on which it is expected to be used for the first time

• before the age of 24: EUR 37.50
• from the age of 24: EUR 70.00
• Temporary passport: EUR 26.00
• Increase in fees by EUR 6.00 if the photo was taken by the passport authority
• Change of passport/temporary passport (only size and/or eye color): EUR 6.00 (change of residence free of charge)
• Surcharge for an express passport: EUR 32.00
• Surcharge for a passport with 48 pages: EUR 22.00
• Direct mailing of a passport: EUR 15.00

Doubling of the fees:

• When issuing a temporary passport or changing a passport, temporary passport, if this is done outside official office hours at the instigation of the applicant.
• When issuing a passport (even before the age of 24), temporary passport or change to a passport, temporary passport, if this is done by an incompetent authority at the instigation of the applicant.

The use of the SpeedCaptureTerminal for taking photos costs 6 euros when applying at the Citizens' Registration Office.

You can take the photo in the town hall foyer at our self-service terminal and send it electronically to the Citizens' Registration Office.
You will not receive a printed photo in this case.

The application will be printed for you at the service desk. A form is not required.
To verify your name, please present your most recent civil status certificate, if this has not already been done when you registered.

Depending on your marital status, this may be

• for single persons: the birth certificate
• for married persons: the marriage certificate or an extract from the family register
• for divorced persons: the marriage certificate and the divorce decree with final judgment
• for widowed persons: the marriage certificate and the death certificate of the spouse

The acquisition of German citizenship must be proven by a naturalization certificate, if applicable.
The loss or theft of a valid passport must be reported in writing. If you have already reported it to the police, please bring the duplicate with you.

On collection: Please present the collection slip and, if applicable, the old passport for validation. Collection is also possible by a person authorized in writing, who must provide proof of identity. You can issue the power of attorney using the collection slip.