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 parent with custody is mandatory. Your personal PIN number for the document for the online ID function (eID function) will be given to you when you submit your application.

Production time - Bundesdruckerei

The Bundesdruckerei usually takes around 4 - 6 weeks to produce an ID card.

Collection or direct mailing

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 possibility of collecting the document when you submit your application.

If you are in possession of an old, not yet validated ID card, this must be presented for validation when collecting the new ID card.

The ID card is always issued to the person making the application. Only persons under the age of 16 or persons who are incapable of acting will have their passport issued to their legal representative, legal guardian or authorized representative. You will be given the blocking password for the online ID function when you collect your passport.

The identity documents produced 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 person making the application; 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.

Direct mailing

Your completed document can be delivered exclusively to your main residence in Germany for a fee (see fees). The shipment will only be handed over to you personally.

Passports can be sent from your 18th birthday. ID cards and eID cards can be sent from the 16th birthday. ID documents for children or persons in care as well as express passports can only be collected from the authority.

For handover at the front door or at the post office (after an unsuccessful first delivery attempt), you will need another valid photo ID (ID card or passport) to identify yourself when receiving the item and to avoid errors when handing it over. The old ID card will be invalidated upon application and can no longer be used.

The option of direct mailing must be indicated when applying for the new document; the staff at the Citizens' Service will be happy to advise you.

• Proof of identity: passport, identity card, child's identity card, child's passport - if available and not yet validated by an authority
• if you wish to use the direct mailing service, you must present your valid identity card for validation
• 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) is 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