Apply for a passport

The German passport allows you to enter over 170 countries worldwide as a tourist without a visa. You need a passport if you want to travel to countries outside the European Union (EU). If you have German citizenship, you can apply for a German passport.

The passport

• is recognized both within the EU and outside the EU,
• has a chip and is
• can be applied for at any age from birth.

Passport for children

Your child also needs a passport if you are planning to travel outside the EU.

Since January 1, 2024, children's passports are no longer issued. You can apply for a regular passport for your child.

Does your child still have a valid child passport?

You can continue to use this until

• the validity expires
• Information no longer applies
• the photo is no longer sufficient to clearly identify your child

Note: The children's passport is no longer recognized by all countries. Please check before your trip where your child's passport is recognized. Use the travel and security information from the Federal Foreign Office (AA).

Responsibilities

You can apply for a passport at the Citizens' Registration Office at your place of residence. If you have more than one place of residence, the Citizens' Registration Office at your main place of residence is responsible.

If there is an important reason, you can also apply for your passport at an authority outside your place of residence. This may incur additional costs for you.

If you live abroad or have lost your passport abroad, you can apply for your passport at the German representation abroad.

• § Section 6 (1) Passport Act (PassG)
• § Section 1 Ordinance on the Implementation of the Passport Act (Passport Ordinance - PassV)

• § Section 15 Passport Ordinance (PassV) (Fees)

for a passport or an express passport:

The express passport is a normal, machine-readable passport that Bundesdruckerei produces faster than usual for an increased fee. It is issued by Bundesdruckerei within three working days.

• current, biometric photo
• Existing identity document
• a current civil status certificate depending on marital status:
  • Single = birth certificate
  • Married = marriage certificate
  • Divorced = certified copy from the marriage register with note of dissolution or marriage certificate and divorce decree with note of legal force
  • Widowed = certified copy from the marriage register with a note of dissolution or marriage certificate and death certificate of the spouse
• Declaration of consent from both parents, up to the age of 18 (see forms)
• Declaration of custody, if applicable, until the child reaches the age of 18
• Naturalization certificate, if applicable

additionally for a temporary passport:

A temporary passport is used to provide a passport applicant with a fully-fledged identity document immediately in emergency and urgent cases at home and abroad.

• Proof in case of emergency or urgency (e.g. flight ticket, booking confirmation)

additionally with a second passport:

One reason for a second passport is if, for example, you wish to enter a country that is likely to refuse you entry if your passport shows that you have stayed in certain other countries.

• Written proof from the employer

additionally in the case of a stolen/lost passport:

• Completion of the criminal complaint
• Proof of identity

Tip:
Allow two weeks to pass before you apply for a new passport; you may find it again.

Further documents may be requested in individual cases.

• You have German citizenship.
• You are present in person when you apply for your passport.
  • If you are applying for a passport for your child or someone you care for, they must also be present at the application.
• for children under the age of 18:
  • You are entitled to custody.
• There must be no grounds for refusing a passport. This includes, for example, the assumption that you will be able to obtain a passport by leaving the country.
  • a criminal prosecution,
  • the execution of a sentence or
  • want to evade a statutory maintenance obligation.

You must apply for a passport in person on site:

• Make an appointment at your local citizens' office.
• Bring all the necessary documents with you to the agreed appointment.
• The application is filled out by the authority staff with you on site. All you have to do is sign the application.
• Your fingerprints will be taken. As a rule, these are the prints of your two index fingers.
  • Your fingerprints will only be taken for storage in the passport chip and stored until you collect your passport from the Citizens' Registration Office. After that, your fingerprints will be deleted and will only be stored on the chip in your passport.
  • Children under the age of 6 do not have to provide a fingerprint or signature.
• Your Citizens' Registration Office will inform you when you can collect your passport. You can authorize another person of legal age in writing to collect your passport from the authority.
• Alternatively, you can pay a fee to have the ID document sent by post to your home address in Germany and handed over in person at the front door.

Further information on entry requirements can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office. 

• Information on passports and identity cards on the website of the Federal Foreign Office (AA)
• Information on the security of the destination country or transit country and on the required documents on the website of the Federal Foreign Office (AA)
• Information on the German passport on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI)
• Questions and answers on the subject of "biometrics" and passport photos on the ID card portal of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI)

• Passport for persons under 24 years: €37.50 and valid for six years
• Passport for persons over 24 years: €70.00 and valid for ten years
• Additional fee for an express passport: € 32.00
• Temporary passport: €26.00 and valid for one year
• Second passport: €70.00 and valid for six years
• Additional fee for a passport with 48 pages: € 22.00

• Declaration of consent for the issue / application / collection of a passport / ID card