Apply for a temporary identity card

You can apply for a temporary ID card under the following conditions:

• You have German citizenship
• You are registered in Germany
• You do not have a valid identity card
• You urgently need a valid identity document.

• Biometric digital passport photo: taken on site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
• an old identification document, regardless of whether it is valid or has already expired:
  • old ID card or passport
  • old child's passport
• If you do not have an old ID card or passport:
  • Birth certificate
• For children under 16:
  • parents with custody:
    • A valid form of identification (ID card or passport) for each parent
    • If only one parent with custody is present: a written consent form from the parent with custody who is not present, as well as a copy of their ID
  • if there is only one parent with custody:
    • valid identification document (ID card or passport)
    • Proof of custody

The passport photos must not be older than 6 months.

Note: The fee must be paid at the time of application.

• § Section 9 of the German Identity Card Act (PAuswG)
• ID card and eID card fee ordinance

The following information is available:

• The temporary ID card is an exception; it is valid for a maximum of 3 months and is not intended to replace a regular ID card on a long-term basis or through repeated, successive applications. ID cards must meet high security standards, including a storage and processing medium for the photo and fingerprints. The temporary ID card does not have this feature.
• You can apply for both the temporary and the new, regular ID card at the same time while in the country, but you are not required to do so.
• You cannot apply for a temporary identity card at German diplomatic missions abroad.
• If your ID card is stolen or lost, you must report it to the police or an ID card issuing authority, such as the city hall or the municipal office.