Passport; Application

! CHANGE EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2025 !

Pursuant to the Act on Strengthening Security in Passport, Identification, and Foreign Nationals’ Documents Act of December 3, 2020, digital photographs must be used when applying for official documents as of May 1, 2025, to prevent manipulated photographs from being submitted during the application process. As of May 1, 2025, the photo can still be taken at a photographer’s studio, in which case the photographer must upload the photo to a secure cloud. You will receive a printout of a Data Matrix code (similar to a QR code), which the agency can use to locate and download your photo from the cloud. Alternatively, the passport office may offer to take photos electronically on-site at the office and integrate them seamlessly into the application process. To find out whether the office has equipment for taking photographs, please contact them directly. 

As of May 2, 2025, starting on your 18th birthday, you have the option to have your applied-for German passports sent to your domestic registered address for an additional fee of €15.00. This service is not available for express passports. The package may only be handed over in person to the addressee. For more information on direct delivery, please contact your passport office.

The electronic passport (ePass) is an official photo ID for German citizens that authorizes them to cross the border of the Federal Republic of Germany. The holder of a valid German passport satisfies the legally required identification obligation, so no additional identity card is necessary.

The passport’s validity period depends on the applicant’s age, and the validity cannot be extended:

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

Notes:

• Since November 1, 2007, fingerprints have also been stored in the passport’s chip (for applicants aged 6 and older).
• Since November 1, 2010, honorary titles and stage names have once again been included in the passport.
• No one may hold more than one passport issued by the Federal Republic of Germany unless a legitimate interest in obtaining multiple passports is demonstrated.
• A temporary passport may only be issued in justified, time-sensitive individual cases where the issuance of a passport via the express procedure (see also “Processing Time”) is not (or no longer) possible.
• Since March 1, 2017, third-generation passports with new security features and materials have been issued.

Jurisdiction

The municipality in which you are registered at your place of residence—or, if you have multiple residences, at your primary residence—is responsible for issuing your passport.

For passport matters abroad, the Federal Foreign Office, together with the diplomatic missions of the Federal Republic of Germany designated by it, is the competent passport authority.

With the approval of the foreign passport authority, passport applications from Germans living abroad may be accepted and processed by passport authorities in Germany if a compelling reason is demonstrated (e.g., if the distance to the competent passport authority is significantly greater than to the non-competent passport authority).”

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

• A German national as defined in 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 cases of joint custody by both parents, if they are living apart more than just temporarily, the application is generally submitted solely by the parent with whom the child ordinarily resides) or guardian
• Representation by an authorized representative is not permitted
• To verify their identity, the passport applicant (including minors) must generally appear in person at the passport office.

You will need a biometric photo (taken within the last six months).

After you apply for a passport, the passport authority instructs Bundesdruckerei GmbH to issue the passport. 

You will be notified as soon as the document is ready for pickup. Some municipalities instead provide an online service to check the processing status. You can obtain more detailed information when you apply.

According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building, and Homeland Affairs, it generally takes at least two weeks from the date of application until you can pick up your passport at the citizens’ office. In some cases, however, it may take several weeks. Please make sure you have a valid passport and apply for your passport in a timely manner. For more information, contact your local passport office.

In urgent or emergency situations, a passport can be issued through the express process: If the express application is received by Bundesdruckerei GmbH by 12:00 p.m., the passport is usually ready for pickup at the passport office on the third business day following the application (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays).

Temporary passport: Issuance and delivery are possible immediately.

• Current official identification document (passport, ID card, or child's passport)
• a recent biometric digital photograph (front view)
• Upon initial issuance (which may also include new residents) or as required by specific circumstances, additional documents are generally required, such as civil status records and citizenship certificates
• For passport applicants under the age of 18:
  In the case of parents living together who share parental responsibility, one parent may submit the application with the written consent of the other parent; the passport office must verify the other parent’s signature
• If there is only one custodial parent: Proof of custody
• Documents required for a temporary passport:
  

  When issuing a temporary passport, passport authorities may require the submission of appropriate evidence demonstrating that a passport is needed immediately and that it is not possible to issue a passport through the expedited process by the time it is expected to be used for the first time.

• Before turning 24: 37.50 EUR
• On or after the age of 24: 70.00 EUR 
• Temporary passport: 26.00 EUR
• Fees increase by 6.00 EUR if the photograph was taken by the passport office 
• Amendment to a passport/temporary passport (only height and/or eye color): 6.00 EUR (change of residence is free of charge)
• Surcharge for an express passport: 32.00 EUR
• Surcharge for a 48-page passport: 22.00 EUR
• Direct mailing of a passport: 15.00 EUR

Double fees:

• When issuing a temporary passport or amending a passport or temporary passport, if this is done outside of official business hours at the applicant’s request.
• When issuing a passport (including before the age of 24), a temporary passport, or making changes to a passport or temporary passport, if this is done by an unauthorized authority at the applicant’s request.

There is a 6-euro fee for using the SpeedCaptureTerminal to take a photo when submitting an application at the Citizens' Office.

You can take the photo in the town hall foyer at our self-service kiosk and submit it electronically to the Citizens' Office.
In this case, you will not receive a printed photo.

The application will be printed for you at the service counter. No form is required.
To verify your name, please present your most recent civil status certificate, unless you have already done so when you registered.

Depending on your marital status, this is:

• for single persons: the birth certificate
• For married individuals: the marriage certificate or an extract from the family register
• For divorced individuals: the marriage certificate and the divorce decree with a notation of finality
• For widowed individuals: the marriage certificate and the spouse’s death certificate

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

When picking up your passport: Please present the pickup slip and, if applicable, your old passport for cancellation. A person authorized in writing may also pick up the passport, provided they present valid identification. You can grant this authorization using the pickup slip.