Identity card; application for exemption from the identification requirement

  • Brief description

    In certain cases, Germans can apply for an exemption from the ID requirement from the responsible municipality.

  • Description

    Germans within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law are obliged to have 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.

    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.

    When applying for an exemption, you will receive an official letter from the identity card authority. This does not extend the validity of the old ID document.

    Please note that a valid ID card is required for identification processes with the online ID card (eID of the ID card) or, for example, with PostIdent. This also applies when traveling abroad.

    You can apply for a new ID card at any time.

    Responsibility

    The municipality in which you are registered for your home, or your main home if you have more than one home, is responsible for exempting you from the ID card requirement.

  • Prerequisites

    • The person concerned has German citizenship within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the German Basic Law.
    • A formal application is submitted to the relevant municipality by the person concerned (from the age of 16), their legal guardian, authorized representative or at the request of the guardian.
    • A guardian has been appointed for the person or the person is incapable of acting or consenting and is represented by an authorized representative or by a representative with a publicly certified power of attorney.
    • The person is likely to be permanently accommodated in a hospital, nursing home or similar facility.
    • The person is unable to move around in public alone due to a permanent disability.

  • Deadlines

    none

  • Required documents

    If applying as a guardian, authorized representative or custodian, submission of corresponding proof

    If applicable, proof of the reason for exemption

    Previous official identification documents of the person who is to be exempted from the identification requirement.

  • Costs

    none

  • Legal basis

  • Further links

  • Notes

    If you have valid German identity documents, you do not need to be exempt from the ID requirement.

    The official letter of exemption from the ID requirement does not extend the validity of the old ID document.

    The previous ID card will be withdrawn or invalidated after the expiry date.

    If your authority has exempted you from the ID card requirement and you would now like to carry out identification processes with the online ID card (eID of the ID card) or with PostIdent, for example, you will need a valid ID card. You can apply for a new ID card at any time.

  • Processing time

    For more information and information on processing times, please contact your local identity card authority.


Responsible departments