Identification Card; Application

! CHANGE EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2025 !

Pursuant to the Act on Strengthening Security in Passport, Identification, and Foreign Nationals Documentation 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 authorities can use to locate and download your photo from the cloud. Alternatively, the ID card 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 photos, please contact them directly.

Since May 2, 2025, individuals who have turned 16 have had the option to have their requested German ID cards sent to their domestic registered address for an additional fee of €15.00. The package may only be handed over in person to the recipient. For more information on direct mailing, please contact your ID card office.

On November 1, 2010, the new electronic ID card in credit-card format was introduced. In addition to the inclusion of biometric features (photo) and the voluntary storage of fingerprints (until August 1, 2021), a key new feature is the introduction of electronic proof of identity, known as the eID function or online ID function (“That’s me.”). In addition, the new ID card is designed to support a signature function (“I wrote that.” or “I want that.”)

As of August 2, 2021, two fingerprints of the ID cardholder are stored in the ID card’s chip in addition to the photograph. The previous option to choose whether to have fingerprints recorded no longer applies. The fingerprint data is collected solely for storage in the chip. It is deleted no later than when the ID card is picked up from the ID card manufacturer or at the ID card issuing authority. By making the collection of fingerprints mandatory, Germany is implementing European Union Regulation 2019/1157.

In addition, as part of the implementation of the aforementioned European Union Regulation 2019/1157, the new ID card design was introduced on August 2, 2021. The new design is recognizable by the EU flag, which was also introduced on all identity cards of EU member states as of August 2, 2021.

Since July 15, 2017, under the Act on the Promotion of Electronic Identification, the eID function (online ID function) has been automatically and permanently activated on every ID card for individuals who are 16 years of age or older. Your local ID card office provides the Federal Ministry of the Interior’s informational brochure “Secure, Simple, Digital – The Online ID” (see “Further Links”). 

The online ID function is the digital key to modern public administration because it enables you to access digital government services, such as electronic registration of residence and electronic application for a certificate of good conduct. In addition, more and more applications using the online ID function are being offered by private-sector companies (e.g., banks and insurance companies). Since summer 2017, it has also been possible to read ID data on-site in the presence of the individual for the purpose of transferring form data without a change in medium.

As of February 17, 2025, the PIN letter procedure was revised. The PIN letter, which contains the five-digit one-time PIN, known as the “transport PIN,” and the PUK (the number used to unlock the PIN if you have entered it incorrectly three times) for using the online ID starting at age 16, is now provided by the ID card authority when an ID card is applied for. As of May 1, 2026, individuals under the age of 10 will no longer receive a PIN letter, as they will not have reached the age limit of 16—required for the eID function—during the document’s period of validity. When you pick up your new ID card, you will be given a letter containing the blocking password—which you’ll need to block the card, for example, if it’s lost—along with the new document.

To use the eID function, you’ll need your personal PIN, which is why you must replace the one-time PIN with a personal PIN. You can do this yourself (e.g., using the AusweisApp and a compatible, NFC-enabled smartphone) or at any time at your local government office free of charge. It is recommended that you set your own six-digit PIN as soon as you pick up your ID card at the local government office. If you forget your PIN or misplace the PIN letter, you can have your PIN reset at any ID card office.

The online ID function makes an important contribution to the security of your data and to data minimization, because—given the personal identification number (PIN) and the requirement for authorization certificates for service providers—you can decide for yourself at any time whether and to whom you make which data available.

Germans, as defined in Article 116(1) of the Basic Law , are required to possess a valid ID card as soon as they turn 16 and are subject to the general registration requirement, or—even if not subject to it—reside primarily in Germany. They must present it upon request by an authority authorized to verify identity and allow that authority to compare their face with the photograph on the identification document. The ID card holder may not be required to deposit the ID card or otherwise relinquish possession of it. This does not apply to authorities authorized to verify identity or in cases of confiscation and seizure.

The identification requirement may also be met by possessing and presenting a valid passport or provisional passport. Identification documents issued by other countries are not acceptable for this purpose.

The obligation to present identification also applies to persons serving a prison sentence, starting three months before their release from custody.

The competent identity card authority may exempt persons from the obligation to present identification

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.

Upon request, an identity card must also be issued if a person is under 16 years of age or if that person is a German citizen within the meaning of Article 116(1) of the Basic Law but is not subject to the registration requirement because they do not have a residence in Germany (e.g., so-called “Germans living abroad”).

The identity card is valid for varying periods:

• before reaching the age of 24: 6 years
• from the age of 24: 10 years
• Provisional ID card: maximum of 3 months

It is not possible to extend the period of validity.

Jurisdiction

The municipality where you are registered at your residence—or, if you have multiple residences, at your primary residence—is responsible for issuing the ID card. If there is a compelling reason, an ID card authority that is not otherwise responsible may also issue the card.

Since January 1, 2013, the Federal Foreign Office, together with the diplomatic missions it designates, has been the competent ID card authority for ID card matters abroad. You can find an overview of the competent ID card authorities abroad under “Related Links.” With the approval of the foreign ID card authority, ID card applications from Germans living abroad may be accepted and processed by ID card authorities in Germany, provided that a compelling reason is demonstrated (e.g., if the journey to the competent ID card authority is considerably longer than to a non-competent ID card authority).

You canuse this link to schedule an appointment to apply for an ID card.

• A German national as defined in Article 116(1) of the Basic Law;
• Submission of a formal application to the relevant municipality by the applicant (age 16 or older) or by a legal representative (e.g., in cases of joint custody by both parents, if they are living apart on more than a temporary basis, the application is generally submitted solely by the parent with whom the child usually resides) or a guardian;
• Representation by an authorized representative is not permitted.
• To verify their identity, the applicant for an ID card (including children or adolescents under the age of 16) must, as a general rule, appear in person at the ID card office.

After applying for an ID card, Bundesdruckerei GmbH is commissioned by the ID card authority to produce the ID card. 

You will be notified as soon as the document is ready for pickup. Some municipalities offer an online service instead to provide information on the status of your application. You can obtain more detailed information when you submit your application.

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

A provisional ID card can be issued immediately.

• a recent biometric digital photograph (front-facing)
• Current official identification document (passport, ID card, or child's passport)
• 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 applicants for an ID card under the age of 16:
  In cases where parents live together and share parental responsibility, one parent may submit the application with the written consent of the other parent; the identity card authority should verify the other parent’s signature.
• If there is only one custodial parent: Proof of custody

• If applicable, application for exemption from the ID requirement
• If applicable, guardian ID, power of attorney for health care
• If applicable, the caregiver's ID card or passport

Fees for Issuing ID Cards

• Applicants 24 years of age and older: 46.00 EUR
• Applicants under 24 years of age: 27.60 EUR
• Issuance of ID cards for those in need: Fee reductions or waivers may be available; however, since these costs are generally covered by the standard benefit allowance, recipients of benefits under SGB II and SGB XII are generally not considered to be in need
• Temporary ID card: 10.00 EUR
• Cost of direct mailing of an ID card: 15.00 EUR
• Fee increase of 6.00 EUR if the photograph was taken by the ID card authority
• Fees increase by 13.00 EUR if the administrative action is performed at the applicant’s request outside of official business hours or by an authority without jurisdiction
• Fees increased by 30.00 EUR for applications submitted by so-called “Germans living abroad” to domestic ID card authorities that lack jurisdiction

Additional Fee Regulations

• Initial activation of the online ID function upon reaching the age of 16: free of charge
• Subsequent activation of the online ID function for older ID cards: free of charge
• Changing the PIN at the Citizens’ Office = resetting the PIN (e.g., forgotten PIN): free of charge
• Changing the address upon moving: free of charge
• Blocking the online ID function in case of loss: free of charge
• Unblocking the online ID function: free of charge
• Costs for obtaining an electronic signature certificate: Determined by the respective provider 

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

First-Time Application

When you submit your application for the first time after moving to Erlangen, we require a civil status certificate:

• For single individuals: a 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 note of finality
• For widowed individuals: the marriage certificate and the death certificate of the spouse

In some cases, the acquisition of German citizenship must be proven by a naturalization certificate.

In addition, a biometric photograph (taken within the last six months) is required. You can take the photograph at our self-service terminal in the town hall foyer and submit it electronically to the Citizens’ Office.

In this case, you will not receive a printed photo.

Exemption from the ID requirement

You can only be exempted from the ID requirement after your current ID documents have expired.
You can usually take the confirmation of your exemption from the ID requirement with you right away. Otherwise, you will receive it by mail.