An ID card is compulsory from the age of 16. It is possible to apply for it from birth.
If you move, you must change your address with prior re-registration. The address will also be changed on the chip.
The submission of fingerprints is mandatory since 01.08.2021. These increase the forgery protection of the document.
Furthermore, it is possible to reload a qualified electronic signature. This reloading does not take place at the citizen services, but at a so-called trust center.
All first names are listed on the identity card.
You can get atemporary identity card if the previous one has expired or become invalid and you need a new one immediately (for example, when traveling to a European country abroad or for banking matters).
The identity card with chip was introduced on 01.11.2010 on the basis of the law on identity cards and electronic proof of identity (Identity Card Act).
The most important facts at a glance:- Handy credit card format
- New online ID function
- Prepared for digital signatures with the qualified electronic signature
- Better control over your personal data: Within the scope of the online ID function, you yourself determine which data you release for transmission
- As of 01.08.2021, the submission of fingerprints is mandatory.
- Your "old" identity card or, if issued for the first time, your child's identity card/passport
- A recent passport photo, no more than 6 months old (see photo sample chart of the Federal Ministry of the Interior)
- Your last civil certificate (birth or marriage certificate, if no identity document has yet been issued for you)
- Your personal presence is required
- The expired/invalid identity card
- A recent passport photo, no more than six months old (see photo sample chart of the Federal Ministry of the Interior)
- Your last civil certificate (birth or marriage certificate, if no identity document has yet been issued for you)
- Your personal presence is required
Information on passport photos:
You can use the ID terminal to take the biometric photo and scan your signature. This will save you time and money. The use of the terminal costs 6.00 euros. Of course, your own biometric passport photos will still be accepted and processed by the photographer or passport photo machine.
Further information on the ID card terminal
Important:
For applications up to the age of 16, one parent must be present at the application in addition to the minor. A declaration of consent (see forms) and the identity cards/passports of both parents are required from the custodial parent who is not present. If only one parent has custody, this must be proven by the custody decree or a negative certificate from the Youth Welfare Office.
Application for an identity card
- Applicant under 24 years: 22,80 Euro
- Applicant over 24 years: 37,00 Euro
Application for a temporary identity card
- 10,00 Euro
Other fees
- Change of address in case of relocation: free of charge
- Since 01.01.2021 there are no more fees for activation, resetting PIN and unblocking.
- Blocking the online ID function in case of loss: free of charge
Processing time when applying for an identity card
- three to four weeks
Validity
- six years (if applied for up to the age of 24)
- ten years (from the age of 24)
It is not possible to extend the validity of an identity card.
Delivery time of a temporary identity card
- will be issued immediately
Validity of a temporary identity card
- three months
Information on the online function
When using the online function, Bundesdruckerei sends a letter with the transport pin, PUK and blocking password. It is essential to keep this letter.
Blocking password for blocking via the Blocking hotline Telephone: 116 116
In case of loss, please contact the citizen services.
Citizen Services
City Hall B, Room 015
Phone: 05361 28-1234
Fax: 05361 28-2090
You can also use this service at the administrative offices in Fallersleben and Vorsfelde.
- Photo sample board from Bundesdruckerei
- Information and service portal for the new ID card
- AusweisApp2: New software for the online ID card
Current information for the vacation season
Your bags are already packed and you discover that your ID card has expired? If it has to happen very quickly and going to the town hall is no longer possible, the Federal Police can issue you with replacement papers.
Read more information from the Federal Police on how to apply for replacement papers here