The period of validity of your ID card depends on your age at the time of application:

• Application under the age of 24: ID card is valid for 6 years.
• Application from the age of 24: ID card is valid for 10 years.

Your ID card loses its validity before the expiry date entered if

• Entries no longer apply (exception: address and height) or
• your photograph is no longer clearly suitable for identification purposes. This may be the case in particular with ID cards for infants or very young children.

Late applications, including lost applications, may be subject to finesPDF-File139,62 kB.

The processing time can take up to 4 weeks.
Processing may take longer at the beginning of and during the vacation period.

Please bring the following:

• Proof of identity (old ID card, passport)
• A digital biometric photo (opens in a new tab) (via QR code) (or taken on site)
  • For children under 6 years of age, the photos should be taken by a certified photo studio or specialty store.
• Birth certificate (for first-time applications) 
• If applicable: a document showing your current name, for example
  • birth certificate or marriage certificate,
  • Declaration of name
•  For children under 16 years of age:
  • Declaration of consentPDF-File86,73 kB from the legal guardian who is not appearing in person
  • For unmarried parents: a declaration of custody by the father

For first-time applications following naturalization, the following is also required:

• Certificate of naturalization
• If applicable: Envelope from the naturalization office containing a passport photo
• Original passport and/or ID card (Personalausweis) 
• Original copy of the most recent civil status certificate, along with a German translation by a sworn translator 
  • For unmarried individuals: Birth certificate
  • For married and divorced individuals: Marriage certificate
  • Please note: German documents take precedence and must therefore always be submitted. 

For persons under 24 years of age: €27.60.

For persons aged 24 and over: €46.00.

For more information, please refer to our fee schedulePDF-File91,81 kB.

Photograph taken on site: €6.00.

Citizens' office: Card payment is preferred.

Local administrations: Cash and EC card payment is possible.

As a cardholder, you are obligated to:

1. Present the ID card to us if any of the information is incorrect. 
2. Return the old ID card when you receive a new one.
3. Report the loss of your ID card and its recovery to us. If it is recovered, you must also present it to us.
4. Inform us if you voluntarily join the armed forces or a similar armed organization of a foreign state of which you are a citizen. 
5. When sending the ID card, report to us
   • if the shipment has been opened without authorization,
   • the ID card is missing, damaged, or contains incorrect information. 

Since May 1, 2025, you have had the option of receiving your ID document by direct postal delivery to your doorstep.
To do so, you must submit your ID application within Germany to the authority responsible for your place of residence. Upon delivery, you must personally identify yourself to the postal delivery service with a valid ID document (ID card or passport). Direct delivery costs €15.00 in addition to the regular ID card fee. Please note: This service is not available for express orders! If you have any questions, please contact the staff on site.

A personal interview is required (also for minors).

If you are getting married soon and your name will change as a result of the marriage, you can apply for your ID card up to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives you the opportunity to collect your ID card immediately after the marriage and use it for travel. Please bring the certificate of registration of the marriage with you when you apply. However, the ID card will only be issued after the marriage if you present the original marriage certificate.