Prerequisites
The obligation to apply for an identity card applies to you if you
- who have German citizenship,
- have reached the age of 16,
- are registered in Germany,
- do not have a valid passport or temporary passport.
For applications outside your main residence:
- You must be able to provide a valid reason why you are not applying for an identity card at the identity card authority at your main residence.
- If you are registered as having a secondary residence in Hamburg, approval from the identity card authority at your primary residence is required to issue the ID card. A non-competence surcharge will be charged upon application, which increases the costs of issuing the ID card.
Documents required
- current passport photo, which must meet the photo requirements for electronic identity cards.
- Starting May 1, 2025, you must submit your passport photo electronically. You can have the photo taken on-site or bring a QR code, which the photo studio will provide you with when the photo is taken.
- The requirements for the passport photo can be found in the photo sample table (see link “Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland - Photo sample table”, at the bottom of this page under “Forms, Service & Links”).
- A photo booth (speed capture terminal) is available. The fee for an on-site photo is €6.00. You will not receive a print. Please note that the photo booth is not suitable for taking passport photos of infants and small children.
- If available and not yet validated: old identity card or passport or temporary identity card or child's passport (valid or expired)
- If no valid passport or identity card is available: birth certificate, marriage certificate
- police report of loss
- For children under 16 years of age: if applicable, consent from the parent with custody who is not present
- If there is only one parent/guardian, proof of custody is also required
Please note
There are the following hints:
- An extension or change of the identity card is not possible. A new identity card is always issued.
- In urgent cases, you can also apply for a temporary identity card (valid for a maximum of 3 months) at the same time. This will be given to you immediately.
- People without a permanent address or the homeless should contact the Hamburg Service Hamburg-Mitte.
Deadlines
- You must report the theft to the police as soon as possible.
- Processing time: Approximately 3-4 weeks from application