Applying for an ID card and passport (German citizens)

If you are a German citizen, you can apply for a Personalausweis (national identity card) at the Bürgeramt or Bürgerbüro. The rules are slightly different depending on your age, your place of residence, and which city you apply in. 12345

Who needs this

• The Personalausweis is issued for German nationals. 1
• In Berlin, it is needed by Germans from age 16 who do not have a valid Reisepass (passport). 2
• In Hamburg and Stuttgart, Germans are required to have a valid Personalausweis if they are subject to the ID obligation and, in Hamburg, also have their residence in Germany and no valid Reisepass. 35
• If you are under 16, a Personalausweis can still be issued for minors, but a parent or other legal guardian must apply, and the child must be present. 12345
• If you live abroad, some cities say you can still apply in Germany or through a German foreign mission, depending on the case. 125

Step by step

• Make an appointment if your city requires one; Berlin says the application is only possible in person at the Bürgeramt, and Hamburg says you need an appointment at the Hamburg Service. 23
• Bring the required documents. 12345
• Apply in person. Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Stuttgart all require personal appearance. 2345
• Your old document is usually taken or invalidated at the appointment, and you may receive a PIN letter for the online ID function (eID). 2345
• You can usually choose between pickup and, in some cities, direct delivery by post. 245

Documents

• A valid identity document, usually your old Personalausweis or your Reisepass. 12345
• An up-to-date biometric passport photo. From 01.05.2025, Berlin and Hamburg require a digital electronic photo; Munich also requires a digital biometric photo with a DataMatrix code or photo terminal image. 234
• For first-time applications, some cities ask for a birth certificate. 245
• For minors, consent from the other parent or proof of custody may be required, depending on the family situation. 12345
• If your personal data has changed, some cities ask for supporting civil status documents such as a marriage certificate. 345
• If you were naturalized, some cities ask for your naturalization certificate and other identity documents. 345

Cost and time

• The fee is 27.60 euros if you are under 24, and 46 euros if you are 24 or older. 2345
• Berlin charges an additional 13 euros if Berlin is your second residence, and 15 euros for direct delivery. 2
• Hamburg and Munich charge 6 euros for a photo taken on site. 34
• Hamburg and Munich charge 15 euros for direct delivery by post. 34
• Berlin says processing usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks. 2
• Hamburg says about 2 to 3 weeks. 3
• Munich says the Bundesdruckerei usually needs about 4 to 5 weeks. 4
• A temporary Personalausweis costs 10 euros in Hamburg, Munich, and Stuttgart. 345

Deadlines

• In Hamburg and Stuttgart, German nationals from age 16 must have a valid Personalausweis if they do not have a valid Reisepass. 35
• Munich says you should apply if your old card is expiring, changed, or no longer usable. 4
• Hamburg says you should also apply if your old card was lost or stolen, or if your name has changed. 3
• Stuttgart says you can apply for a new card before the old one expires. 5

City by city

• Berlin: You can apply at any Bürgeramt, but if you apply outside your main residence you need an important reason; Berlin also offers direct delivery in a pilot phase. 12
• Hamburg: If you apply outside your main residence, you need an important reason and approval from the competent authority; Hamburg also lists specific Hamburg Service offices and a 115 hotline for appointments. 3
• München: You must apply in person at a Bürgerbüro of your choice, and Munich notes that the card can be picked up free of charge or sent by post for a fee. 4
• Stuttgart: Applications are personal at a Bürgerbüro; for people with only a secondary residence or no registration in Stuttgart, the Bürgerbüro Mitte decides after consultation whether application is possible. 5