Children's passport will be replaced

All children's passports already issued remain valid. The children's passport is valid for 1 year, but no longer than the child's 12th birthday, and costs 13 euros until the end of the year. It is also possible to extend or update an existing and still valid children's passport at a cost of 6 euros.

A German ID card becomes invalid by law even before it expires if the unique personal identification is no longer guaranteed. Anyone wishing to apply for, update or extend a child's passport this year should make an appointment online.

Both parents and child required
The application for the issue or renewal of a child passport must be submitted by both parents as long as they have joint custody. The child must be present when the application is made. A current biometric passport photo must be brought along. Children from the age of 10 must sign the passport themselves.

If both parents are unable to attend the citizens' office in person, the written consent of the other parent and their identity card must be presented. As the city administration is closed between Christmas and New Year, the application must be submitted by 22 December.

Electronic passport or ID card from 1 January
From 1 January 2024, parents will be able to apply for either an electronic passport or an ID card for their children when travelling abroad. Both documents are valid for six years. The fees are 37.50 euros for a passport and 22.80 euros for an ID card for people under the age of 24. Information on the current entry requirements and the necessary travel documents can be obtained from the Federal Foreign Office at www.auswaertiges-amt.de.

Uniform national fees
The Citizens' Office would also like to point out that from 1 January 2024, the uniform national fees for issuing passports for people over the age of 24 will increase by 10 euros. In future, a passport will cost 70 euros and an express passport 102 euros.

Further information can be obtained from the Citizens' Office on 02521 29-3333.