Apply for an identity card

Types of ID card

There are two types of ID card, the provisional ID card (paper format) and the regular ID card (chip card format). The application procedures and the required documents are identical. In contrast to the regular ID card, the provisional ID card is issued immediately and does not have to be produced first. In addition to its shorter validity (maximum 3 months), the temporary ID card does not have an online ID function. In this article you will find more information about the regular (standard) ID card.

Duration of validity

An ID card is issued for 6 years up to the age of 24 and for 10 years from the age of 24.

Possibilities, functionality, security aspects

After submitting your application, please visit the ID card portal to find out about the options, how it works, security aspects and the blocking emergency call.

• Fingerprints: The ID card contains an electronic storage and processing medium on which the fingerprints are stored.
• eID function: From the age of 16, the electronic proof of identity (eID function) is activated when you collect your ID card in accordance with Section 10 (1) and (2) PAuswG.
• Security and data protection

Issued before the age of 16

It is possible to have an ID card issued. The personal presence of the child and at least one legal guardian is required for the application. If only one parent or guardian applies for the ID card, a written declaration of consent (including a copy of the ID card or passport for signature comparison) from the other parent or guardian is required. At least one parent must be present at the time of application and collection!

Furthermore, proof of custody is mandatory in the case of sole custody or unmarried parents (judgment of the family court, negative certificate or custody certificate from the youth welfare office).

Loss, theft

The loss or theft of a valid identity card must be reported in writing or in person. If it has already been reported to the police, please bring the duplicate with you.

Application

Applications can only be made at the passport office of the main residence. A personal appearance is required for the application. When applying for persons under the age of 16, the presence of the child and a custodial parent is mandatory.

Duration of production - Bundesdruckerei

The Federal Printing Office usually needs approx. 4 - 6 weeks to produce an ID card.

Issue / collection

The letter notification about the completion of the document has been discontinued since 17.02.2025. However, you have the option of entering an e-mail address for notification of completion and the option to collect the document when you submit your application. Your personal PIN number for the document for the online ID function (eID function) will now be given to you when you submit your application. When you collect the document, you will also be given the blocking password for the online ID function.

General information on collection

If you are in possession of an old ID card that has not yet been validated, this must be presented for validation when you collect your new ID card.

The ID card is always issued to the person making the application. Passports are only issued to the legal representative, legal guardian or authorized representative in the case of persons under the age of 16 or persons who are incapable of acting.

Produced identity documents are issued at the central registration desk on the first floor.

Representation during collection

You can be represented at the collection point. The documents can be issued to a person authorized by the applicant; this person must identify themselves by presenting a valid identity card (from an EU or Schengen area country) or a valid passport (other countries). To authorize another person to collect your document, please use the form under Downloads.

• Proof of identity: Passport, identity card, child ID card, child passport - if available and not yet invalidated by an authority
• Name: When you apply for an identity document, we will check whether your name (first name, surname and other parts of your name as well as the order of the first names) has been entered correctly. Please bring the following original documents with you, depending on your marital status or if you have changed your name:
  • Single: Birth certificate
  • Married or widowed: Marriage certificate
  • In a registered civil partnership: civil partnership certificate
  • Divorced: Marriage certificate (if you have changed your name after divorce, please also bring this official document)
  • Civil partnership dissolved: Civil partnership certificate and court judgment with final judgment note
  • Naturalized: Naturalization certificate and declaration of name (if no declaration of name has been made, the relevant documents must be submitted in addition to the naturalization certificate, depending on your marital status, see points above)
  • If your name has been changed for other reasons, please bring the relevant document or court decision with you (e.g. certificate of a name change or decision under the Transsexuals Act).
  • Note: If you have lost your last certificate from the Jena registry office, you can simply apply for a new certificate online. Certificates and judgments in languages other than German must be submitted with a certified translation.
• Digital passport photo: You can have your digital passport photo taken either on site at the Citizens' Service Office when you submit your application or in advance at certified photo service providers and at the certified drugstore chain. Please note the above information on digital passport photos for children up to the age of 6. Self-made photos, photos from photo booths or passport photos from photo apps and generally printed passport photos are no longer permitted since 01.05.2025.
• Declaration of consent and proof of custody when applying for persons under the age of 16

• Federal Identity Card Act
• Thuringian Identity Card Act