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Apply for an identity card

  • Ausweise und Dokumente

In all BürgerServiceCentres, additional appointments for the coming days are released daily in the late afternoon. If no suitable appointment is suggested, please check this page again during this time slot.

You can find the current legal requirements for passport photos under “Further information” – “Information on digital passport photos”.

Would you like to apply for an identity card? Find out more here.

  • Basic information
    • Proof of identity is required for persons aged 16 and over.
    • From the age of 16, parental consent is not required to apply.
    • For children under 16
      : - Children must be present in
      person when applying.- The application must be made by the
      legal guardian(s).- The ePA will only be issued with the electronic identity verification
      feature deactivated.- For children aged 6 and over, a specific declaration from the legal guardian(s) explicitly relating to the issue of the identity card is required.
      - Children aged 10 and over must sign the
      application themselves. - A legal guardian may collect the identity document alone, without a power of attorney from the other guardian.
    • A third party may be authorised to collect the document. In all cases, this person (including legal guardians) requires a specific collection authorisation. The form provided under ‘Forms’ should be used for this purpose
    • However, a collection authorisation is required in all cases where the child (aged 16 or over) has applied for the identity card themselves

    Functions

    • Official identity document
    • Electronic proof of identity
    • Electronic signature
    • Two digital fingerprints

    You can find out more about the functions and possibilities of your ID card with online ID in the brochure "Your ID card – digital, simple and secure".

    Please note:

    • Changing your address using an address sticker when you move house is free of charge.
    • Exemption from fees on the grounds of receiving benefits under the Social Code (e.g. Unemployment Benefit II, Basic Income Support for the Elderly or Incapacity to Work) is generally not possible.

    Requirements

    • German citizenship

  • Procedure
    • You must apply for your identity card in person, as you must sign the application form yourself.
    • When you apply for an identity card, you will receive a PIN letter. This PIN letter contains a PIN (a five-digit one-time PIN, known as a transport PIN) and a PUK (unlock code, to be used if you have entered your PIN incorrectly three times). The PIN is required to use the online ID function. You can use the online ID from the age of 16. To do this, set a 6-digit PIN of your choice. You can do this yourself using the AusweisApp and an NFC-enabled smartphone.
    • If you wish, you can have your new identity card delivered directly to your home. The requirements and further information on “direct delivery” can be found under “Further information” – “Direct delivery information sheet”.
    • You can find all the information on collecting your identity card under “Further information” – “Collecting your identity card / passport / eID card”.

    More information

    Validity:

    • For persons under 24 years of age: 6 years
    • For persons aged 24 and over: 10 years

    Taking of fingerprints

    • Since 2 August 2021, two fingerprints of the applicant must always be taken when applying for a new identity card. The fingerprints are stored exclusively in the identity card’s chip as an additional security feature.

    For further information, please call: +49 421 361 88660.

  • Necessary Documents
    • Proof of identity
      • For example, identity card, valid (children's) passport or birth certificate for infants or small children who do not yet have a (children's) passport or identity card.
    • 1 QR code to retrieve a digital passport photo or take your photo directly at the BürgerServiceCenter

      Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. Under "Further information" - "Notes on digital passport photos" you will find further important information.

    • For children under 16 years of age:

      Special declaration of consent (explicitly related to the issuing of the identity card) of the person with custody, as well as their identity cards (also copies) and, if applicable, proof of custody.

    • in the case of a change of name, a document or certificate from the registry office.
    • Important note: the children must always be present in person!

  • Competent Department

  • Online Services

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    37,00 EUR for people aged 24 and over
    22,80 EUR for people under the age of 24
    6,00 EUR Photo costs (if the photographer does not send a photo via a QR code provided by the customer).
    15,00 EUR in addition, when using the direct delivery option.
    Unfortunately, it is not possible to be exempted from fees on the grounds of receiving benefits under SGB II (e.g. Unemployment Benefit II) or SGB XII (basic income support for old age or incapacity to work).

    No fees are charged for homeless people staying in Bremen.

  • Deadlines & processing time

    How long does it take to process

    usually around 4 weeks

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

Frequently asked Questions

  • is the submission of the fingerprint mandatory?

    Yes, as of August 2, 2021, two fingerprints of the applicant must always be taken when applying for a new ID card. The fingerprints are stored exclusively in the chip of the ID card as an additional security feature.

  • is there any data that is only visible on the ID card and not stored in the chip?

    Yes, these are:

    • Signature
    • Size, color of eyes
    • Serial number

  • is there any data that is only stored in the chip and is not visible on the ID card?

    Yes, the electronic signature and two fingerprints.

This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct. 28.05.2026

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