Apply for identity documents in good time

If you apply for the new documents before the start of the holiday season, you can avoid long waiting times at the citizens' offices. The processing time for a passport is currently 6 weeks.

Important change to children's passports
Parents and legal guardians are also advised that children's passports issued since 1 January 2024 can no longer be extended, updated or reapplied for. When travelling abroad, parents can apply for either an ID card (for EU countries) or an electronic passport (worldwide) for their children. Information on the current entry requirements and the necessary travel documents can be obtained from the Federal Foreign Office at www.auswaertiges-amt.de or from a travel agency.

The identity card and passport for children are each valid for up to 6 years and cost 22.80 euros (identity card) and 37.50 euros (passport).

However, it should be noted that the appearance of infants and very young children in particular changes so much within 6 years that they can no longer be clearly identified with the original ID document. In this case, the ID card would be prematurely invalid. If the child now looks significantly different from the existing document, parents should play it safe and apply for a new ID document in good time before travelling.

To apply for the documents, a current biometric photo, an existing identity document or a birth certificate and, in the case of under-18s, the consent of a parent or guardian are required.

To avoid waiting times, appointments can be booked online. The form for the declaration of consent of the legal guardian can also be downloaded there.