apply for an ID card
service description
As a person with German citizenship, you can have an identity card issued.
If you are 16 years or older and do not have a valid passport, you must apply for an identity card.
You can submit your application at the identity card authority in the city or municipality where you have your primary residence. This is usually the town hall or the citizens' registration office.
If there is a compelling reason, you can also apply for an identity card at an office in any other city or municipality. This may incur additional costs.All identity cards issued from July 2017 onwards automatically have an activated online identification function. This allows you to identify yourself online to authorities and companies. You can use the online ID after your 16th birthday. When you apply for an identity card, you will receive a one-time PIN to set a six-digit PIN of your choice. After that, you can use the online ID.
When you apply for your identity card, the fingerprints of both your index fingers are usually stored on the card's chip. Children under 6 years of age are exempt from this requirement.
Your identity card will become invalid before its validity period expires if
- Entries no longer apply
Exception: If only your address or height changes, your identity card will not become invalid.
or
- Your photo is no longer clearly suitable for identification. This may be particularly the case with ID cards for infants or small children.
You can enter all European Union (EU) countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, with your valid identity card. A passport is not required.
If you urgently need an identity document, you can initially apply for a temporary identity card. This is valid for a maximum of 3 months.
Special instructions for the municipality of KonzHints:
An identity card cannot be extended , but a new application must be submitted.
Please note that A digital passport photo is required for certain administrative services – in particular the application for an identity card or passport.
There is no photo booth available at the Konz Citizens' Office. Therefore, taking passport photos on site is not possible. We recommend that you in advance in a certified photo studio or specialist shop to ensure a smooth application process.- Entries no longer apply
requirements
- You or the child for whom the application is to be submitted have German citizenship
- for children under 16 years:
- You have parental authority.
- Your child will be present when the application is submitted.
If you apply for an identity card outside the city or municipality where you have your main residence:
- You provide a valid reason why you are not applying for an identity card at the identity card office in the city where you have your primary residence.
What documents are required?
- old identification document, regardless of whether it is valid or has already expired:
- old identity card or passport
- old children's passport
- If no old identity card or passport is available:
- birth certificate
- Biometric digital passport photo: taken on-site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
- if applicable, certificate with current name, for example
- Birth, marriage, marriage certificate
- family book
- Declaration on naming
- when applying for children under 16 years of age:
- Parents with custody:
- Valid identification document (identity card or passport) from each parent
- If only one parent with custody is present: a declaration of consent from the absent parent with custody and a copy of their identification.
- in the case of only one parent with custody:
- valid identification document (identity card or passport)
- Proof of custody
- Parents with custody:
- old identification document, regardless of whether it is valid or has already expired:
What fees apply?
A fee reduction or exemption is possible under certain conditions.
Fee: €46.00Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalidentportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalident/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlfor applicants aged 24 years and overFee: €27.60Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlKassenzeichenfor applicants under 24 years of ageFee: 6.00 €Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlKassenzeichenFee for passport photo if the issuing authority uses the PointID photo system from Bundesdruckerei GmbH. If the issuing authority uses photo systems from other manufacturers, the fee may differ.Fee: 10,00 €Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlKassenzeichenfor the provisional identity cardFee: 15.00 €Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlKassenzeichenFee for shipping to your home addressFee: €13.00Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlKassenzeichenSurcharge for applications submitted outside working hours or not at the primary residenceFee: €43.00Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlKassenzeichenSurcharge for issuing by consular or diplomatic representation abroadSubmission: €30.00Prepayment: Yeshttps://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/der-personalausweis/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit/gebuehren-und-gueltigkeit-node.htmlKassenzeichenSurcharge for issuing a document by a non-competent domestic authority if your habitual residence is abroad.Special instructions for the municipality of KonzFrom February 7, 2026, the fees for identity cards in Germany will increase due to rising production and administrative costs. For individuals aged 24 and over, the price for the 10-year document will rise to €46, while those under 24 will pay €27.60 for the 6-year card.
An overview of the new fees starting in February 2026:- Persons aged 24 and over: €46.00 (previously €37.00)
- Persons under 24 years of age: €27.60 (previously €22.80)
- Temporary identity card: €10.00
- Direct shipping: Home delivery costs an additional €15.00.
The increase applies nationwide and affects all new applications from the effective date onwards. The last fee adjustment took place on January 1, 2021.What deadlines do I need to consider?
You must apply for a new identity card immediately if
- Your old identity card has expired, you are over 16 years old and do not have a valid passport document.
for applicants under 24 years of age
Period of validity: 6 years
for applicants aged 24 and over
Period of validity: 10 years
Special instructions for the municipality of KonzNew prices will apply to identity cards from 07.2.2026:
- €46.00 for an identity card for people over 24 years of age
- €27.60 for an identity card for those under 24 years of age.
processing time
From the time you submit your application, it usually takes at least 2 weeks until you can pick up your identity card at the citizens' office or receive it at your apartment door or at the post office.
legal basis
What else should I know?
- If your ID card is stolen or lost, you must report it to the police or an ID card authority. In these cases, the authority will report your online ID card to the ID card blocking hotline and initiate the blocking process.
- The EU logo on the front of the identity card, introduced from 2 August 2021, does not invalidate cards without this logo.
Applications / Forms