Our employees only speak German in the office and on the phone.

Apply for an identity card Ausweise und Dokumente

In all BürgerServiceCenters, additional appointments for the coming days are released daily in the late afternoon hours. If you are unable to find a suitable appointment, please check this page again during this time slot.

You can find the current legal requirements for passport photos under "Further information" - "Notes on digital passport photos".

Would you like to apply for an ID card? Find out more here.

  • Basic information
    • Identification is compulsory for persons aged 16 and over.
    • From the age of 16, no parental authorization is required for the application.
    • for children under the age of 16
      - children must be present in person when applying.
      - the application must be submitted by the legal guardian(s)
      - the ePA is only issued with the electronic proof of identity switched off.
      - a special declaration from the legal guardian is required for children aged 6 and over, expressly relating to the issue of the ID card.
      - children over the age of 10 must sign it themselves
      - legal guardians can collect the ID document alone, without the authorization of the other person
    • a third person can be authorized to collect the document. In any case, this person (including the legal guardian) requires a special authorization to collect the document. The form provided under "Forms" should be used for this purpose
    • However, an authorization to collect is always required if the child (aged 16 or over) has applied for the ID card themselves

    Functions

    • official identification document
    • electronic proof of identity
    • electronic signature
    • two digital fingerprints

    You can find out about the functions and possibilities of your ID card with online ID in the brochure "Your ID card - digital, simple and secure".

    Please note

    • Changing the address using address labels when moving house is free of charge.
    • Exemption from fees due to receipt of benefits under the SGB (e.g. unemployment benefit II, basic income support due to old age or disability) is generally not possible.

    Requirements

    • German citizenship

  • Procedure
    • The ID card can only be applied for in person, as a handwritten signature is required when applying.
    • When you apply for an ID card, you will receive a PIN letter. This PIN letter contains a PIN (five-digit one-time PIN, so-called transport PIN) and a PUK (unblocking number if you have entered your PIN incorrectly three times). The PIN is required to use the online ID function. You can use the online ID card from the age of 16. To do this, set a 6-digit PIN of your own choice. You can do this yourself using the ID card app and an NFC-enabled smartphone.
    • You can have your new ID card delivered directly to your home if you wish. You can find the requirements and further information on "Direct delivery" under "Further information" - "Direct delivery information sheet".
    • All information on collecting your ID card can be found under "Further information" - "Collecting your ID card / passport / eID card".

    More information

    Validity:

    • for persons under 24 years of age: 6 years
    • for persons aged 24 and over: 10 years

    Taking fingerprints

    • Since August 2, 2021, two fingerprints must always be taken of the applicant when applying for a new ID card. The fingerprints are stored exclusively in the chip of the ID card as an additional security feature.

    For further information, please call: + 49 421 361 88660.

  • Necessary Documents
    • Proof of identity
      • For example, identity card, valid (children's) passport or birth certificate for infants or small children who do not yet have a (children's) passport or identity card.
    • 1 QR code to retrieve a digital passport photo or take your photo directly at the BürgerServiceCenter

      Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. Under "Further information" - "Notes on digital passport photos" you will find further important information.

    • For children under 16 years of age:

      Special declaration of consent (explicitly related to the issuing of the identity card) of the person with custody, as well as their identity cards (also copies) and, if applicable, proof of custody.

    • in the case of a change of name, a document or certificate from the registry office.
    • Important note: the children must always be present in person!

  • Competent Department

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    37,00 EUR for persons aged 24 and over
    22,80 EUR for persons under 24 years
    6,00 EUR Photo costs (if no photo is transmitted by the photographer via a QR code brought along).
    15,00 EUR additionally when using the direct shipping option.
    A fee exemption due to receipt of benefits according to SGB II (e.g. unemployment benefit II) or SGB XII (basic income support due to old age or disability) is unfortunately not possible.

    There are no fees for homeless people living in Bremen.

  • Deadlines & processing time

    How long does it take to process

    basically approx. 4 weeks

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

Feedback on quality

Your feedback will help us to identify and solve problems. You will not receive a personal response. Please do not submit any personal data.

Did you find what you were looking for?

How do you rate this page?*

*Mandatory field

Frequently asked Questions

  • is the submission of the fingerprint mandatory?

    Yes, as of August 2, 2021, two fingerprints of the applicant must always be taken when applying for a new ID card. The fingerprints are stored exclusively in the chip of the ID card as an additional security feature.

  • is there any data that is only visible on the ID card and not stored in the chip?

    Yes, these are:

    • Signature
    • Size, color of eyes
    • Serial number

  • is there any data that is only stored in the chip and is not visible on the ID card?

    Yes, the electronic signature and two fingerprints.

This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct. 07.11.2025

Dienstleistungen · syfq nzm