Applying for exemption from the obligation to carry identification documents

In general, the duty of identification applies in Germany. Persons in need of care who are unable to participate in public life for reasons of illness or who are even cared for can be exempted from this rule.

For this purpose, an informal application must be submitted to the registration office. The application can be submitted in writing to the Bürgeramt, Referat Meldeangelegenheiten, Pfalzburger Str. 69a, 28207 Bremen, Germany, or delivered in person to a BürgerServiceCenter.

Nursing services and caregivers can also apply for this exemption for their clients.

Requirements

Persons,

• who cannot participate in legal transactions (e.g. due to bedriddenness) or
• for whom a guardian has been appointed or
• who are incapable of acting or giving consent and are represented by a proxy with a publicly certified power of attorney, or
• who are likely to be permanently accommodated in a hospital, nursing home or similar institution
• who are unable to move alone in public because of a permanent disability,

may be exempted from the identification requirement.

The reasons for exemption must be documented in writing (e.g. medical certificate).