Identity documents

Compulsory identification

All Germans over the age of 16 are required to have a valid identity document.

You can apply for the following ID documents at the Citizens' Office:

• Identity card
• temporary identity card
• Passport
• temporary passport

These ID documents are produced by the Bundesdruckerei. It takes approx. 2 - 3 weeks to produce and send the finished ID documents for an ID card and approx. 4 - 6 weeks for a passport. Please take this time into account when submitting your application.

In principle, the authority in whose district the applicant is registered with their main residence is responsible for issuing an ID document.

• This takes you to the status query for your document.