Passport

Since 01.11.2007, two fingerprints (usually the two index fingers) have also been stored on the chip in the electronic passport (ePassport) in addition to the digital passport photo. The submission of fingerprints is mandatory from the age of 6.

In the case of permanent medical restrictions, an ePassport may be issued without fingerprints if necessary.

The fingerprints are only stored on the chip in the ePassport. At the Bundesdruckerei and at the municipality, they are deleted immediately after completion or handover of the ePassport!

The application for the passport is printed out by us, which means that no form has to be filled out in advance. The application is sent to the Bundesdruckerei in Berlin and processed there.

You will need the following documents:

• the identity card
• if available, the old passport
• a recent passport photo, no more than 6 months old (see photo sample chart of the Federal Ministry of the Interior)
• the last civil certificate (birth or marriage certificate), if no identity documents have been issued for you yet
• Your personal presence is required

New:

You can use the ID terminal to create the biometric photo and scan your signature. This saves time and money. The use of the terminal costs 6.00 euros. Of course, we will continue to accept and process your own biometric passport photos from photographers or passport photo machines.

Application in Germany at the main place of residence

Passport

Validity:

up to the age of 24: six years
from the age of 24: ten years

Delivery time: approx. four weeks

Attention: There are currently and probably throughout the year delivery problems with passports. Delivery currently takes 8-10 weeks!

Upon completion, a notification will be sent that the passport is ready for collection. This does not apply to express passports.

Express Pass

If the application for the ePassport cannot be made in time, it is possible to apply for an express passport. Bundesdruckerei offers an express procedure for this, in which the ePassport is delivered within three to four working days.

Temporary passport

If even the application for the express passport cannot be made in time for your trip, the issuance of a temporary passport is possible. Upon presentation of appropriate evidence (for example, airline tickets/travel documents), a temporary passport will be issued, which is valid for a maximum of one year. An extension is not possible.

Note: Visa-free entry to the USA is not possible with the temporary passport.

48-page passport

This is especially interesting for frequent travelers, as there are 48 pages for entries instead of the normal 32.

Citizen Services

City Hall B, Room 015

Tel.: 05361 28-1234

Fax: 05361 28-2090

Send an e-mail to the service center

Appointments are offered by appointment only. Please use the online appointment reservation.

You can also use this service in the administrative, local and district offices.

Current note on the vacation season:

Your bags are already packed and you realize that your passport 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.