Compulsory identification

German citizens over the age of 16 must be able to identify themselves with a passport or identity card. An identity card is mandatory if no passport is available. The identification requirement does not apply to persons against whom a prison sentence is being enforced.

• § Section 1(4)(1) of the Identity Card Act (PAuswG)
• § Section 1 Ordinance on fees for ID cards and electronic proof of identity (ID card fee ordinance - PAuswGebV) - Fees for ID cards

• German within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law (GG)
• Subject to the general obligation to register or, without being subject to the obligation to register, residing predominantly in Germany

• Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law (GG)

Information on the electronic ID card can be found on the Internet under the following links:

• The ID card with online ID function

II 310

• Compulsory identification Exemption in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

  Display of performance in the source portal

The competent authority is the passport and identity card authority of the office or municipality responsible for your place of residence.