The period of validity of your ID card depends on your age at the time of application:

• Application under the age of 24: ID card is valid for 6 years.
• Application from the age of 24: ID card is valid for 10 years.

Your ID card loses its validity before the expiry date entered if

• Entries no longer apply (exception: address and height) or
• your photograph is no longer clearly suitable for identification purposes. This may be the case in particular with ID cards for infants or very young children.

Late applications, including lost applications, may be subject to finesPDF-File139,62 kB.

The processing time can take up to 4 weeks.
Processing may take longer at the beginning of and during the vacation period.

Please bring along

• Proof of identity (old identity card, passport)
• A current biometric photo (opens in a new tab)
  • You can use the self-service terminal(from 130 cm tall) at the Citizens' Office for a fee.
• Birth certificate (when applying for the first time)
• If applicable: certificate with current name, for example
  • Birth certificate or marriage certificate,
  • Declaration on the use of name
• for children under the age of 16:
  • Declaration of consentPDF-File86,73 kB from the legal guardian not appearing in person
  • for unmarried parents: declaration of custody by the father

If applying for the first time after naturalization, the following is also required

• Certificate of naturalization
• If applicable: Envelope from naturalization office with passport photo
• Original passport and/or ID card (identity card)
• Last civil status certificate in original, as well as German translation by a sworn interpreter
  • for single persons: Birth certificate
  • for married and divorced persons: Marriage certificate
  • Please note: German documents have priority and must therefore always be presented.

For persons under 24 years of age: 22.80 euros.

For persons aged 24 and over: 37.00 euros.

For more information, please see our fee sheet.

Citizens' office: Card payment is preferred.

Local administrations: Cash and EC card payment is possible.

As the card holder, you are obliged to

1. Present the ID card to us if the entries are incorrect.
2. Hand in the old ID card when you are issued with a new one.
3. Report the loss of the ID card and its recovery to us. If it is found again, also present it to us.
4. Inform us if you voluntarily join the armed forces or a similar armed organization of a foreign country of which you are a citizen.
5. Notify us if the identity document has been sent,
   • if the shipment has been opened without authorization,
   • the ID card is missing, damaged or contains incorrect information.

A personal interview is required (also for minors).

If you are getting married soon and your name will change as a result of the marriage, you can apply for your ID card up to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives you the opportunity to collect your ID card immediately after the marriage and use it for travel. Please bring the certificate of registration of the marriage with you when you apply. However, the ID card will only be issued after the marriage if you present the original marriage certificate.

Please note
Due to a change in the law, it is currently not possible to pre-date the ID card if your marriage takes place after May 1, 2025.