Apply for a temporary identity card

You must apply for the temporary ID card in person.

• Apply for the temporary ID card at the citizens' office at your main place of residence.
• If you do not apply for your temporary ID card at your main place of residence, you need an important reason. Please contact the Citizens' Registration Office of your choice to find out whether the Citizens' Registration Office will accept your reason.
• As a rule, the Citizens' Registration Office will issue your temporary ID card immediately.

Please contact your identity card authority.

You can also submit the application to any other identity card authority in Germany. However, this will incur additional fees

You can apply for a temporary identity 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)
• if available and not yet validated: old identity card or passport or child's passport (valid or already expired)
• if no valid passport or identity card is available: Birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable
• for children under the age of 16: if applicable, a declaration of consent from the custodial parent who is not present
  • if there is only one parent or legal guardian, additional proof of custody

A fee reduction or exemption is possible under certain conditions.

• § 9 Gesetz über Personalausweise und den elektronischen Identitätsnachweis (Personalausweisgesetz - PAuswG)

Please note the following:

• You can apply for the provisional and the new, regular ID card in Germany at the same time.
• You cannot apply for the provisional ID card at German diplomatic missions abroad.
• If your ID card is stolen or lost, you must report this to the police.

10.06.2025