Identity card
External content
German citizens are required to have a valid identity card (or passport) as soon as they reach the age of 16.
Description
You will receive the ID card in cheque card format with a chip. The printed personal data, photograph and fingerprints are stored digitally in the chip.
If you need an ID card immediately, you can be issued with a temporary ID card. This is valid for three months.
If you are visually impaired, you can obtain a transparent sticker with the Braille characters "ad" (for identity document) for your ID card. You can order the sticker from us when you apply for or collect your ID card. You can also obtain the Braille sticker at any time at a later date. To do this, call the Citizens Office service hotline on 089/233-96000 or use the contact form.
Persons with special disabilities can be exempted from the general ID card requirement under certain conditions.
You must always apply in person. You need an appointment to visit the Citizens Office.
Prerequisites
In principle, you can only apply for an ID card at the identity card office of your main residence.
The only exception is for German citizens who live abroad, are visiting Munich and urgently need an ID card. In this exceptional case, you cannot book an appointment at a Citizens Office, as the application is processed centrally. For information on how to apply and make an appointment (only in this exceptional case), please use the contact form.
The ID authority must check both the authorisation to apply and the authenticity of the signature. Please present the relevant identification documents (identity card, passport).
If you are already 16 years old, you can submit the application without the consent of your legal guardian(s).
Minors who are not yet 16 years old can also apply for an identity card.
If you are applying for an identity document with a photograph for the first time, a parent must also be present to confirm your identity. This is also necessary if the child's current appearance differs from the photo in the previous ID document.
An identity card for minors under the age of 16 may only be applied for by persons who have custody of the child. The child must always be present when the application is made.
If both parents live with the child, it is sufficient for one parent to present the other parent's declaration of consent.
If custodial parents live separately, only the parent with whom the child is registered as having their main residence may apply for the ID card. As a rule, the consent of the other parent is not required. In cases of doubt, further evidence must be submitted.
If one parent has sole custody of the child, they can apply for the ID card without the consent of the other parent, regardless of whether the parents live separately or together.
Validity of identity cards
- For persons under the age of 24: 6 years
- For persons over 24 years of age: 10 years
- temporary ID card: maximum 3 months
An extension is not possible for any of the three terms listed.
Notes on collection
You can check the processing status of your ID card online. You will need an appointment to collect it from Rupperstraße.
The card can be handed over to the applicant or to a person authorised in writing (power of attorney available for download).
For applicants aged 16 and over, the person with parental authority also requires a power of attorney for collection.
As an option, you can also engage an appropriately authorised service company of your choice for collection.
Required documents
- Identification documents (identity card, passport, children's passport - if available; original birth certificate for first-time applications; if applicable, identification documents of the person who is also attending the interview to confirm identity)
- current biometric photograph
- for persons under 16 years of age: Identity card or passport of all custodial persons
- if required: declaration of consent from the absent parent (available for download)
- the fees must be paid in full when submitting the application
Important
In cases of doubt, the ID authority may request further documents (e.g. custody orders, current civil status certificates, proof of German citizenship). In these cases, you may have to visit the office again in person.
Questions & Answers
With the online ID function, you can also identify yourself on the Internet and at vending machines. This makes it easier for you to communicate with online shops, banks, insurance companies, public authorities, social networks and companies and you no longer have to memorise so many passwords and user names.
With the signature function, for which the ID card is prepared, you can even sign contracts, applications and other documents easily and conveniently online.
The biometric data can be accessed by certain state authorities such as the police, federal police, tax investigation centres, ID and registration authorities in order to establish identity.
Yes, the ID card should show the current address. For this purpose, an official address sticker is placed on the back of the ID card. In addition, the address is updated in the chip of the ID card. The original ID card must be presented for the change of address.
No, the online service "Pin reset and activation service" in the ID card portal was discontinued by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and for Home Affairs on 29 December 2023. To activate the online ID card function, you must present your ID card in person at a Citizens Office.
No, the online service "Pin reset and activation service" in the ID card portal was discontinued by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and for Home Affairs on 29 December 2023. To reset your PIN, you must go to a Citizens Office in person with your ID card.
If you are visually impaired, you can obtain a transparent sticker with the Braille characters "ad" (for identity document) for your ID card. You can order it from us when you apply for or collect your ID card. You can also obtain the Braille sticker at any time at a later date. To do this, call the Citizens Office service hotline on 089/233-96000 or send an e-mail to: buergerbuero.kvr@muenchen.de
Persons with special disabilities can be exempted from the general ID requirement under certain conditions. You can find more information under the service "Exemption from the ID requirement".
You can obtain advice by telephone on 089/233-45249 or 089/233-45250.
You can find information on the ID card portal of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and for Home Affairs.