Applying for an ID card for the first time
Service description
As a German citizen over the age of 16, you are required to have a valid identity card or a valid passport.
You can also apply for an ID card earlier if you wish.
You can use your ID card to identify yourself to authorities and companies. You can also travel to all countries in the European Union (EU).
You apply for your ID card at your local Citizens' Registration Office at your main place of residence. Applications can be made at any other citizens' office if you have an important reason. In this case, a surcharge for lack of jurisdiction applies.
ID cards contain an electronic proof of identity, the so-called online ID card. This allows you to identify yourself online. You can use the online ID card after your 16th birthday.
The ID card is valid for 6 years if you are under 24 years of age when you apply for it. It becomes invalid before the date of expiry entered on it if:
- Entries, for example surname or first name, no longer apply
- except: address, size
- you are no longer clearly recognisable in your photo. This can be the case in particular with ID cards for babies or very young children.
If you wish, you can enter your e-mail address to receive a reminder approximately 6 months before the expiry date.
If you urgently need an identity document, you can first apply for a temporary identity card. This is valid for a maximum of 3 months.
- Entries, for example surname or first name, no longer apply
Prerequisites
The obligation to apply for an identity card applies to you if you:
- have German citizenship
- have reached the age of 16
- are registered in Germany
- do not have a valid passport document (passport or temporary passport)
For applications outside your main place of residence:
- You must be able to provide an important reason why you are not applying for the ID card at the ID card authority responsible for your main place of residence.
Which documents are required?
- Biometric digital passport photo: taken on site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
- if available and not yet cancelled: old children's passport (valid or already expired)
- if no identity document is available: birth certificate
- for children under the age of 16: if necessary, a declaration of consent from the parent with custody who is not present
- If there is only one parent or legal guardian, additional proof of custody
- Photo sample board
(Bundesdruckerei)
What fees are incurred?
A fee reduction or exemption is possible under certain conditions.
Fee: 46,00 €Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlFor applicants aged 24 and overFee: 27,60 €Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlKassenzeichenFor applicants under the age of 24Fee: 10,00 €Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlFor the temporary identity cardFee: 13,00 €Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlSupplement for applications submitted outside working hours or not at the main place of residenceFee: 30,00 €Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlSurcharge for issue by consular or diplomatic representation abroadFee: 6,00 €Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlFee for passport photo if the authority uses the PointID photo system from Bundesdruckerei GmbH. If the authority uses photo systems from other manufacturers, the fee may differ.Fee: 15,00 €Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlFee for shipping to your home addressLegal basis
What else should I know?
If your ID card is stolen or lost, you must report this to the police.
Issuing body
Forwarding service: Deep link to the source portal Forwarding service: Deep link to the source portal- Applying for an ID card for the first time
Display of performance in the source portal
- ID card issued for the first time in Hesse
Display of performance in the source portal
- Applying for an ID card for the first time
Typing
2/3Library entry status
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