Background: Since May 1, 2025, a digital photo has been mandatory for new ID documents. These photos are taken by certified photo service providers and transmitted to the registration authorities via QR code from a secure cloud.

However, it is currently not possible to retrieve these digital photos due to technical problems. This is due to a fault in the interface between the photo service providers and the registration authority. In addition, the equipment required to create digital photos could not be provided by the Bundesdruckerei in time - this has already been reported.

Temporary solution until the fault has been rectified: To ensure that citizens can order ID documents without complications, it is strongly recommended that they also bring a paper passport photo with them as a precautionary measure in addition to the digital photo. This is the only way to ensure that the order can be placed on time.

Regardless of the current disruption, a transitional regulation applies nationwide: passport photos can still be submitted in paper form until July 31, 2025. From August 1, only digital transmission via QR code will be permitted.

The Citizens' Office will inform you as soon as the technical problems have been resolved.

Contact for queries: Wiesbaden Citizens' Office, telephone (0611) 313344, e-mail buergerbuerowiesbadende

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