Current Notice
: As of May 1, 2025, photos for passports and ID cards will be taken exclusively in digital format. For more information, click here (opens in a new tab).

ID and Passport Photos IMPORTANT NOTICE

Due to a lack of certifications for the photo cloud specified by Bundesdruckerei, ID and passport photos from many private photo studios cannot be processed.

The Federal Printing Office rejects these photos.

Therefore, we urge you to check with your photographer to ensure they have current certification.

We do not guarantee that photos taken by private providers will be processed, nor will we cover any associated costs.

If processing is not possible, the photo can be taken at the Citizens’ Office for a fee of 6.00 EUR.

We therefore strongly recommend that you inquire in advance or have the photo taken at our office.

If your ID card has been lost or stolen, you must report it. In addition, you must apply for a new ID card if you are over 16 years old and do not have a valid travel document.

You must report the loss or theft to the Citizens’ Office or a local administrative office. They are required to notify a police authority immediately. You can have your online ID function blocked in advance by calling. The easiest way to block it is by calling the toll-free blocking hotline at 116 116. During the call, you will be asked for your last name, first name, date of birth, and blocking password. You can find this information in your PIN letter.

You can find more information about applying for an ID card here. 

We’re happy to assist you in person, but we operate by appointment only. You can quickly and easily book an appointment online with the Citizens’ Office or local administrative offices using the appointment calendar.