Apply for an identity card for German nationals with permanent residence abroad

You must apply for the identity card in person at the diplomatic mission or a citizens' registration office responsible for you.
Details on how to apply abroad as well as the application form can be found on the website of the respective diplomatic mission.
Overview of German missions abroad.

• Please compile the necessary documents and make an appointment by phone, e-mail or online via the appointment booking system at the diplomatic mission or the citizens' registration office responsible for you.
• The fee must be paid when you apply in person – please inquire in advance about the payment options (cash, debit or credit card).
• Pick up your identity card at the diplomatic mission or the local citizens' registration office or clarify the procedure for handing over documents when submitting your application.
   

The following can apply for an identity card:

• Persons with German citizenship regardless of their age

When applying, you must submit:

• biometric passport photo
• if you have moved away from Germany (also: homeless, world travelers):
  • Certificate of deregistration from the last German place of residence, if a German place of residence is still entered in the most recent identity document;
• If your foreign address is to be entered in the identity card: in addition, proof of your habitual residence abroad, for example foreigner's identity card, registration certificate from your host country, rental agreement, telephone, electricity or gas bills.

In this respect, please note that the online function of an identity card can only be used if a foreign address is recorded.

• Your previous identity card or passport or children's passport,
• in case of loss of the old document: in addition, a police report of loss;

in the event of an initial application or changes that have occurred

• Birth/parentage certificate, alternatively German marriage/partnership certificate, German family book;
• If you are or have been married/partnered:
• Marriage/partnership certificate with a note on the use of the name or excerpt from the family book with a note on the use of the name in the event of marriage abroad, if applicable, a certificate of name in accordance with German law;
• if applicable, certificate of acquisition of German citizenship (naturalization certificate for initial application);
• where applicable, a certificate of acquisition of a foreign nationality;
• if applicable, doctoral certificate (in German or English, with name and date of birth) if the doctoral degree does not result from a previous passport/identity card and the entry in the new passport/identity card is desired;

for children under 16 years of age, additionally:

• if born in Germany after 01.01.2000, if at least one parent did not have German citizenship at that time: extract from the birth register;
• for children of married parents: marriage certificate of the parents;
• for children of divorced parents and sole custody of one parent: proof of sole custody by custody order or divorce decree; if applicable, recognition of a foreign divorce decree for the German legal field;
• for children at the time of birth of unmarried parents: acknowledgment of paternity and custody agreement in accordance with the law of the child's country of residence;
• if applicable, a certificate of acquisition of German citizenship;

Please bring all documents with you in the original and with a copy. Please note that in individual cases it may be necessary to submit further certificates and documents.

• for applicants under 24 years of age: EUR 52.80
• for applicants over 24 years of age: EUR 67.00

Hint
Fees can be waived or reduced for those in need.

none

• for the processing of the application: usually 4 weeks

§ 1 paragraph 4 number 2 of the Identity Card Act (PAuswG);

Section 8 (8) of the German Identity Card Act (PAuswG);

§ 35 Identity Card Act (PAuswG);

§ 2 KonsG

• Forms: yes
• Online procedure possible: no
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance: yes

The application for the issuance of the identity card in Germany is informal.

Please use the application forms that will be provided at the German mission responsible for you
 

If your application for an identity card is rejected:

• Complaint to the Administrative Court of Berlin

Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (BMI)

27.01.2021

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.