Apply for an identity card as a temporary identity card

For example, you can use the temporary ID card to bridge the time until a regular ID card is issued.

Your temporary identity card is valid for a maximum of 3 months.

You must return the old provisional or regular ID card when you are issued with the new provisional ID card.

• § Section 3 Act on Identity Cards and Electronic Proof of Identity (Identity Card Act - PauswG) - Provisional identity card
• § Section 9 Act on Identity Cards and Electronic Proof of Identity (Identity Card Act - PAuswG)
• ID card and eID card fee ordinance

• current biometric passport photo
• If available and not yet cancelled: old identity card or passport or temporary identity card or children's passport (valid or already expired)
• If you do not have a valid passport or identity card: Birth certificate, marriage certificate
• for children under the age of 16: if necessary, a declaration of consent from the parent with custody who is not present
  • if there is only one parent or legal guardian, additional proof of custody

From 1 May 2025, only digitally created biometric photographs will be accepted in the application process.
The photograph can be taken by external service providers (e.g. photographers) who make it available to the ID card authority in a cloud for retrieval.
Alternatively, digital photos can usually also be taken at the ID card authority. Find out before your appointment whether the photo can be taken at the authority.
Printed passport photos you have brought with you or digital passport photos you have taken yourself cannot (or can no longer) be processed.
 

You can apply for a temporary identity card if

• you have German citizenship,
• are registered in Germany and
• do not have a valid identity card.

You are obliged to apply for a temporary identity card if you

• have German citizenship,
• are registered in Germany,
• do not have a valid identity card or passport and
• have reached the age of 16.

You must apply for the temporary identity card in person.

• Apply for the temporary identity 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 your chosen Citizens' Registration Office to find out whether they will recognise your reason.
• The Citizens' Registration Office will issue you with a temporary identity card.

• Information on the new ID card on a website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and for Home Affairs (BMI)

The following information is available:

• You can apply for the provisional and the new, regular ID card in Germany at the same time.
• You cannot apply for a provisional ID card abroad.

• BMI - The new identity card