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

Apply for an identity card

  • Ausweise und Dokumente

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

  • Basic information

    If you have German citizenship, you can apply for an identity card.

    You must apply for an identity card if, in addition to German citizenship, you are

    • are 16 years of age or older,
    • are registered in Germany
    • and do not have a valid passport.

    If you wish, you can also apply for an ID card for persons under the age of 16 from the date of birth.

    All newly issued ID cards have a chip with an activated online ID function.

    This allows you to:

    • Prove your identity online to authorities and companies.
    • Use the ID card as an official document.
    • Use electronic proof of identity.
    • Sign electronically.

    You can use the online ID card from your 16th birthday. Before that, it will only be issued without the electronic proof of identity function.

    You must reapply for your ID card before it 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 babies or small children.

    Exception: If only your address or your height changes, your ID card will not become invalid.

    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.

    Responsibilities

    • You can apply for an ID card at the Bürgeramt Bremen in one of the BürgerServiceCenters.
    • If you have more than one place of residence, the Bürgeramt at your main place of residence is responsible.
    • If there is an important reason, you can also apply for your ID card at an authority outside your place of residence. This may incur additional costs for you.
    • If you live abroad or have lost your ID card abroad, you can apply for your ID card at the German representation abroad.

    Requirements

    • You or the child for whom the ID card is to be issued have German citizenship.
    • For children under the age of 16:
      • At least one parent or legal guardian and the child must be present when the application is made.

  • Procedure

    You must apply for an ID card in person at one of the BürgerServiceCenters.

    • Make an appointment online or by telephone or come to the open consultation hours. Please note the opening hours.
    • You appear in person and apply for an ID card.
      • Children for whom an ID card is requested must always be present.
      • From the age of 16, an ID card can be applied for without the parents. Parental authorization is not required.
    • Bring all the necessary documents with you.
    • The official staff will fill out the application with you on site. All you have to do is sign the application.
      • Children from the age of 10 must sign it themselves.
        • Please practise signing with your child's surname before applying.
    • Fingerprints must be taken and stored in the ID card.
      • Children under the age of 6 do not have to give a fingerprint.
    • You will receive a collection slip with which you can collect your ID card.
    • You will also receive a PIN letter. This contains:
      • A transport PIN (five-digit one-time PIN).
        • The PIN is required for the first use of the online ID function, after which you select your own 6-digit PIN using the ID card app and an NFC-enabled smartphone.
      • A PUK (unlock number if you have entered your PIN incorrectly 3 times).
      • Important information about the online ID function.
    • You confirm receipt of the unopened PIN letter.
    • You pay the fees.
    • You can view the current processing status of your ID card online.
      • To do this, follow the online service "Status query processing of ID documents" and enter the serial number of the document you are applying for.
        • You will find the serial number on the collection slip issued when you submit your application.
    • As soon as your ID card is ready for collection, collect it from the office where you applied for it.
      • You can find all information on collecting your ID card under "Further information" - "Collecting your ID card/passport/eID card".
    • If you wish, you can have your new ID card delivered directly to your home for a fee.
      • All requirements and further information can be found under "Further information - Information sheet direct delivery"

    More information

    • If you apply for an ID card outside Bremen, you must give an important reason why you are not applying for the ID card at the ID card authority in the city where you have your main residence.
      • The authority responsible for your main place of residence must give its prior consent. Approval is obtained from the office to which you wish to submit the application.
    • Some data is only visible on the ID card, but not in the chip, such as signature, eye color, size and serial number. Other data, such as the electronic signature and 2 fingerprints, are only stored in the chip and are not visible on the ID card.

  • Necessary Documents
    • Children must always be present at the time of application.
    • Proof of identity

      For example:

      • (old) identity card
      • Valid passport or children's passport
      • Birth certificate for infants or small children who do not yet have a (child'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.
    • Certificate with current name, if applicable

      For example:

      • Birth certificate, marriage certificate, marriage certificate.
      • Family register.
      • Declaration of name.
    • For applications for children under the age of 16
      • Declaration of consent from the parent or legal guardian not present.
      • Proof of custody (in the case of only one legal guardian).
      • Proof of identity (original/copy) of the person with parental authority who is not present.

  • Competent Department

  • Online Services

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    46,00 EUR for persons aged 24 and over.
    27,60 EUR for persons under 24 years of age.
    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.
    13,00 EUR Surcharge on the fee if the application is submitted outside office hours or not at the main place of residence.
    Unfortunately, it is not possible to be exempt from fees if you receive benefits according to SGB II (e.g. unemployment benefit II) or SGB XII (basic income support due to old age or disability).
    There are no fees for homeless people living in Bremen.

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    6 years Valid for persons under 24 years of age.
    10 years Valid for persons aged 24 and over.

    How long does it take to process

    4 weeks It usually takes 4 weeks from the date of application until you can pick up your ID card.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

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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. 11.03.2026

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