Applying for an identity card in 2025: Costs, application, duration - all the information

Every German citizen aged 16 and over needs a document to prove their identity. In Germany, the passport and the identity card serve as such official proof of identity. But how does the application process work, how much does the identity card cost, and do you have to carry it with you at all times?

From November 2024, official identity documents can be sent by mail, according to the law. Applicants will no longer necessarily have to go to their respective office to collect them. However, this option is not expected to be actively available until May 1, 2025, as can be read on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community . The service will then be available nationwide to everyone who has a registered address in Germany.

In most cases, the identity card is applied for at the citizens' registration office (Bürgeramt) at your primary residence. To apply for the document at a different citizens' registration office , a valid reason is required. It is therefore advisable to contact the citizens' registration office not located at your primary residence beforehand to find out if they will accept your reasons. Those living abroad can apply for the identity card through the German embassy . However, this usually incurs higher costs (see table below).

The local registration offices decide independently which documents are required. However, a biometric passport photo and a document serving as identification are usually required. These are typically documents that confirm one's identity, such as a passport or birth certificate . Some registration offices may also request the latter, even if other documents are already submitted. The exact requirements are often listed on the registration offices' websites. It's worth checking these sites, as appointments can usually be booked online.

The fees for identity cards vary depending on several criteria, such as age or the place of application:

For a passport-sized photo, it's worth visiting a photographer, but using a photo booth is also permitted. There are various requirements for how such a photo must look (the photo sample chart of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community can also serve as a guide):

• Dimensions: 35 x 45 mm
• Head coverings are not allowed (no hats, scarves, etc.).
• The left and right sides of the face must be clearly visible.
• The tip of the chin to the top of the head must be visible.
• The height of the face must be 70 to 80 percent of the photo.
• Sharp and high-contrast photo.
• Even illumination.
• No red eyes and no reflections on the glasses.
• The background must be light and a single color.
• There must be no color cast visible in the photo.
• No laughter, no tilting of the head, eyes straight ahead.
• Eyes must be visible and open.
• Deviations from the above standards are possible in infants and children.

Once the application is submitted, the new identity card is usually ready for collection relatively quickly. It typically takes about two weeks . In some cases, it may take longer. The document is generally not ready before then.

Under special circumstances, it is possible to apply for a temporary identity card, which is issued immediately . This is a paper document without electronic functions; its validity period is determined individually but may not exceed three months.

Whether expired, stolen, or lost, every German citizen needs official proof of identity – be it in the form of an identity card or passport. Those who cannot identify themselves with either document risk not being fined, but can be subject to a penalty under Section 32 Paragraph 1 of the Identity Card Act. Fines of up to €3,000 are possible, but realistically, amounts between €10 and €80 are more common. Theoretically, these fines can be levied as early as one day after the expiration date, but authorities are usually lenient in this regard. Fines are only imposed if the document has been expired for an extended period. The length of this period depends on the specific issuing authority. It is therefore advisable to renew your identity card well in advance.

1. All necessary documents should be readily available.
2. Make an appointment with the citizens' office (of your main residence) by email, telephone or online.
3. Please bring all documents with you to the appointment.
4. Pay.
5. Wait and pick up the document after receiving notification from the citizens' office.

The identity card contains a chip. This allows the card to be used online – from the age of 16. This saves time and money by eliminating the need for visits to government offices. Data is only transmitted when the cardholder enters a PIN. Furthermore, the data is end-to-end encrypted, providing greater security.

The unique check digit is located in the upper right corner of the identity card and on the back, next to IDD. The identity card number consists of nine characters, which can be either numbers or letters. The first character is always a letter. To avoid confusion and ensure better machine readability, the vowels A, E, I, O, U and the consonants B, D, Q, S are omitted.

In Germany, there is a legal requirement to carry identification , but not a requirement to have your ID card with you at all times. In some professions, being able to identify yourself at any time can save unnecessary trouble and time. This applies, for example, to people who work in restaurants or hotels. Further sectors are listed in Section 2 of the Act to Combat Undeclared Work.

Anyone carrying a weapon must be able to identify themselves. It is also advisable to be able to show identification at demonstrations, borders, and at airports or train stations. Anyone who cannot identify themselves during a police check may be taken to the police station until their identity is established.