Apply for an identity card
Source: Serviceportal Rheinland-PfalzAs a person with German citizenship, you can have an identity card issued.
If you are 16 years or older and do not have a valid passport, you must apply for an ID card.
You can submit the application to the identity card authority in the town or municipality where you have your main residence. This is usually the town hall or citizens' office.
If there is an important reason, you can also apply for an ID card at an authority in any other town or municipality. This may incur additional costs.
All ID cards issued from July 2017 onwards automatically have an activated online ID function. This allows you to identify yourself to authorities and companies online. You can use the online ID card after your 16th birthday. When you apply for an ID card, you will receive a one-time PIN so that you can set a six-digit PIN of your choice. You can then use the online ID card.
When you apply for your ID card, the prints of your two index fingers are stored on a chip in the card. Children under the age of 6 are excluded from this regulation.
Your ID card becomes invalid before the period of validity expires if
- entries no longer apply or
- your photo is no longer clearly suitable for identification purposes. This may be the case in particular with ID cards for infants or very young children
Exception: If only your address or height changes, this does not invalidate your ID card.
You can enter all countries of the European Union (EU) as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland with your valid ID card. A passport is not mandatory.