Apply for an identity card as a person under 16

You can obtain an identity card if you are under 16 years of age, if you

• have German citizenship and
• are registered in Germany.

For applications outside your main place of residence:

• You or your legal guardian must have an important reason why you are not applying for your ID card at the Citizens' Registration Office at your main place of residence.

• Old identity document, regardless of whether it is valid or has already expired:
  • old identity card,
  • old passport or
  • old children's passport
• if no old identity card or passport is available:
  • birth certificate
• if applicable, birth certificate, depending on the local regulations of the authority
• if only one custodial parent is present:
  • Declaration of consent from the non-custodial parent present
• if only one parent is present:
  • Proof of custody
• Passport photo that
  • current and
  • biometric (exceptions apply for infants and small children according to the photo sample table)

• EUR 22,80
• EUR 10.00 for the temporary identity card
• EUR 13.00 surcharge for applications submitted outside working hours or at a non-competent authority
• EUR 30.00 surcharge for application at any Citizens' Registration Office by Germans residing abroad

Fee reductions or exemptions are possible for those in need. This is at the discretion of the identity card authority.

Your parents or legal guardians must apply for the ID card personally and together with you at the Citizens' Office:

• If you are under 16 years of age, your parents will submit the application jointly if they have joint custody.
• One custodial parent can be represented by the other custodial parent by power of attorney.
• If you are the person for whom the application is being made, you must appear in person as the authorities will check your identity. You must also sign if you are 10 years or older at the time of application.
• Bring the required documents with you to the appointment.
• Children aged 6 and over will have their fingerprints taken for storage in the document.
• Your Citizens' Office will inform you when you apply when you can collect your ID card.
• You can arrange a collection appointment online, by e-mail or by telephone at many citizens' offices. You can find out which options your citizens' office offers on their website, for example.

You must apply for an identity card at the latest when you turn 16. Exception: You have a valid passport document such as a passport or temporary passport.

It usually takes at least 2 weeks from the date of application before you can collect your ID card from the Citizens' Registration Office.

• Information on the identity card on a website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community

• § 1 Absatz 4 Nummer 1 Personalausweisgesetz (PAuswG)
• § 9 Absatz 2 Personalausweisgesetz (PAuswG)