As of May 1, 2025, new legal requirements for passport photos will take effect in Germany when applying for identification documents (e.g., national ID card or passport).
Only digital passport photos will be accepted. Printed paper photos are no longer permitted under any circumstances.

Photo studios can obtain further information from the Federal Office for Information Security (opens in a new tab).

CREATING DIGITAL PASSPORT PHOTOS

The following options are available for creating a digital passport photo:

• Citizen Service Center and Local Administrative Offices:
  • Digital passport photos can be taken on-site for a fee of €6.00.
    • For children under 6 years of age, the photos must be taken by a certified photo studio or specialty store.

• Photo Studio or Specialty Store:
  • You can visit a certified photo studio or specialty store authorized to produce digital passport photos. The photo will be taken there and transmitted directly to the authorities via a cloud-based system certified by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
    You will then receive a QR code, which you must bring with you to your appointment at the Citizens’ Office or local administration office.
    Please check in advance whether the photo studio or specialty store you have chosen is connected to the digital transmission system.

This switch to digital passport photos is intended to increase document security and effectively prevent tampering—particularly through so-called morphing techniques.

Please remember:
Be sure to bring a digital passport photo (via QR code) with you in plenty of time for your appointment at the Citizens’ Office or local administration office!