As a German citizen, you are eligible to obtain an identity card. If you are at least 16 years old and do not have a valid passport, you must apply for an identity card.
The validity period of your national ID card depends on your age at the time of application:

• Applications submitted before age 24: The ID card is valid for 6 years.
• Applications submitted at age 24 or older: The ID card is valid for 10 years.

Your ID card will become invalid before the end of its stated validity period if

• the information on it is no longer accurate, or
• your photo is no longer clearly suitable for identification purposes. This can be the case, in particular, with ID cards for infants or very young children.

There is one exception: A change in your address or height does not render the ID invalid.
You also have the option to apply for a temporary ID card. This is valid for a maximum of 3 months.
You can submit the application to the ID card office at your primary residence, which is usually the citizens’ office.
If there is a valid reason, you may also apply for an ID card at an agency outside the jurisdiction of your place of residence. This may result in additional costs.

• As of May 1, 2025, citizens can only apply for ID cards and passports with digital photos.
  

• Proof of identity, such as
  • an old ID card,
  • a valid passport or child’s passport
• a current, certified biometric digital photo
• birth certificate, if applicable
• if applicable: document showing current name, for example
  • birth certificate, marriage certificate,
  • family register
  • Declaration regarding the use of the name
• For children under 16: Declaration of consent from the legal guardians
  • If there is only one legal guardian, proof of custody is also required

• EUR 46 (valid for 10 years) for applicants 24 years of age and older
• EUR 27.60 for applicants under 24 years of age
• EUR 10 (valid for up to 3 months) for a temporary ID card
• EUR 13.00 surcharge for applications submitted outside of business hours or to an unauthorized agency
• EUR 30.00 surcharge for applications submitted at any citizens’ office by German citizens residing abroad

Fee reductions or exemptions are available for those in need. This is at the discretion of the ID card authority.

If the validity of your old ID card has expired and you are over 16 years old, you must apply for a new ID card immediately if you do not have a valid passport document.