Identity card; application

Status query ID card

  • Brief description

    Germans can apply for an identity card at their local authority.

  • Description

    ! 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 since 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 ID card 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 photographs.

    Since May 2, 2025, it has been possible to have requested German ID cards sent to the domestic registration address for an additional fee of €15.00 from the 16th birthday. The consignment may only be handed over to the addressee in person. Further information on direct mailing can be obtained from your identity card authority.

    The new electronic ID card in credit card format was introduced on 01.11.2010. In addition to the inclusion of biometric features (photo) and the voluntary storage of fingerprints (until 01.08.2021), the main innovation is the introduction of electronic proof of identity, the so-called eID function or online ID function ("This is me."). In addition, the new ID card is prepared for the use of a signature and signature function ("I wrote that." or "I want that.").

    Since 02.08.2021, two fingerprints of the ID card holder have been stored in the chip of the ID card in addition to the photograph. The previous right of choice regarding the recording of fingerprints no longer applies. The fingerprint data will only be recorded for storage in the chip. They will be deleted at the latest when the ID card is collected from the ID card manufacturer and the ID card authority. By making fingerprinting mandatory, Germany is implementing the European Union's Regulation 2019/1157.

    In addition, the ID card with the new design was introduced on 02.08.2021 in implementation of the aforementioned Regulation 2019/1157 of the European Union. The new design is externally recognizable by the EU flag, which was also introduced on all ID cards of the EU member states on 02.08.2021.

    Since 15.07.2017, the eID function (online ID function) has been automatically and permanently activated on every ID card, provided you are 16 years old, in accordance with the law on the promotion of electronic proof of identity. Your local ID card authority can provide you with the information brochure from the Federal Ministry of the Interior "Secure, simple, digital - the online ID card" (see under Further links).

    The online ID function is the digital key to modern administration because it enables you to use digital administrative services, such as electronic residence registration and applying for a certificate of good conduct electronically. In addition, more and more applications for the online ID function are being offered by private-sector companies (e.g. banks, insurance companies). Since summer 2017, it has also been possible to read out ID card data on site among people present for the purpose of transferring form data without media discontinuity.

    The PIN letter procedure was changed on February 17, 2025. The PIN letter, which contains the five-digit one-time PIN, so-called transport PIN and the PUK (number to unblock the PIN if you have entered your PIN incorrectly three times) for the use of the online ID card from the age of 16, is now handed over by the ID card authority when applying for an ID card. From May 1, 2026, persons under the age of 10 will no longer receive a PIN letter, as the age limit of 16 years will not be reached during the period of validity of the document in connection with the eID function. When you collect your new ID card, you will be given a letter with the blocking password, which you will need to block the ID card, e.g. if you lose it, together with the new document.

    You need your personal PIN to use the eID function, which is why you need to replace the one-time PIN with a personal PIN. You can do this yourself (e.g. with the AusweisApp and a suitable, NFC-enabled smartphone) or at any time at your local authority free of charge. We recommend that you set your chosen six-digit PIN when you collect your ID card from the authority. If you have forgotten your PIN or have misplaced the PIN letter, you can have your PIN reset at any ID card authority.

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

    Germans within the meaning of Art. 116 Para. 1 of the Basic Law are obliged to possess a valid identity card as soon as they reach the age of 16 and are subject to the general registration obligation or, without being subject to it, reside predominantly in Germany. They must present it on request to an authority authorized to establish their identity and allow it to compare their face with the photo on the ID card. The identity card holder may not be required to deposit the identity card or to relinquish custody in any other way. This does not apply to authorities authorized to establish identity or in cases of confiscation and seizure.

    The identification requirement can also be fulfilled by holding and presenting a valid passport or temporary passport. Identity documents from other countries are not suitable for this purpose.

    The identification requirement also applies to persons serving a prison sentence from three months before their release.

    The competent identity card authority may exempt persons from the obligation to have an identity card,

    1. for whom a guardian has not only been appointed by temporary order or who are incapable of acting or consenting and are represented by an authorized representative with a publicly certified power of attorney,
    2. who are likely to be permanently accommodated in a hospital, nursing home or similar facility, or
    3. who are unable to move around in public on their own due to a permanent disability.

    An identity card can also be issued on request if a person is under the age of 16 or if they are German within the meaning of Art. 116 Para. 1 of the Basic Law but are not subject to the registration requirement because they do not have a home in Germany (e.g. Germans living abroad).

    The ID card is valid for different lengths of time:

    • before the age of 24: 6 years
    • from the age of 24: 10 years
    • Temporary identity card maximum: 3 months

    It is not possible to extend the period of validity.

    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 ID card. If there is an important reason, an identity card may also be issued by an authority that does not have jurisdiction.

    Since 01.01.2013, the Federal Foreign Office and its designated missions abroad have been the competent identity card authorities for identity card matters abroad. You can find an overview of the competent identity card authorities abroad under "Further links". With the consent of the identity card authority abroad, identity card applications from Germans living abroad can be accepted and processed by identity card authorities in Germany if an important reason is presented (e.g. if the journey to the competent identity card authority is considerably further than to the incompetent identity card authority).

  • Prerequisites

    • German within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law;
    • Submission of a formal application to the relevant municipality by the applicant (from the age of 16) 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) or guardian;
    • Representation by proxy is not permitted.
    • The identity card applicant (i.e. also the child or young person under the age of 16) must always appear in person at the identity card authority to verify their identity.

  • Required documents

    Current biometric digital photo (frontal photo)

    Previous official identification document (passport, ID card or child passport)

    When first issued (this may also include new arrivals) or on specific occasions, generally additional documents, e.g. Civil status certificates, citizenship certificates

    for ID card applicants under the age of 16:

    for parents living together who have joint parental custody, 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 ID card authority

    for only one custodial parent: proof of custody

  • Forms

  • Costs

    Fees for the issue of identity cards

    • Applicants aged 24 and over: EUR 46.00
    • Applicants under the age of 24: EUR 27.60
    • Issuance of ID cards for people in need: fee reduction or exemption possible; due to the inclusion in the standard requirement, recipients of benefits according to SGB II and SGB XII are generally not in need
    • Provisional identity card: EUR 10.00
    • Costs for direct mailing of an ID card: EUR 15.00
    • Increase in fees by EUR 6.00 if the photo was taken by the identity card authority
    • Increase in fees by EUR 13.00 if the official act is carried out at the request of the applicant outside official office hours or by a non-competent authority
    • Increase in fees by EUR 30.00 for applications by so-called foreign Germans at - incompetent - domestic identity card authorities

    Further fee regulations

    • Activating the online ID function for the first time at 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' Registration Office = resetting the PIN (e.g. forgotten PIN): free of charge
    • Change of address when moving house: free of charge
    • Blocking the online ID function in the event of loss: free of charge
    • Unblocking the online ID function: free of charge
    • Costs for applying an electronic signature certificate: Determined by the respective provider

  • Legal basis

  • Further links

  • Procedure

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

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

  • Processing time

    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 ID card from the Citizens' Registration Office. In some cases, however, it can take several weeks. Please ensure that you have a valid ID card and apply for your ID card in good time. You can obtain more information from your local identity card office.

    Provisional ID cards can be issued immediately.


Responsible departments