Apply for a passport
Your way to the application
You must apply for a passport in person at the office. To do so, make an appointment at your local civil affairs office. Appointments can usually be made online.
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Why should I specify a location?
With the help of the location information, we can display the information, forms and services suitable for you and your responsible office.
Which location should I specify?
For example, your place of residence if you want to apply for a passport or the company location if you want to register a business.
- biometric digital passport photo: taken on site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
- exceptions may apply when applying at German diplomatic missions abroad and a paper passport photo may be required
- if available and not yet validated: Your previous
- passport
- temporary passport
- identity card
- Temporary identity card
- Children's passport
- your birth certificate, if applicable
- for children or young people under the age of 18:
- Identity documents of the custodial persons present
- if applicable, a declaration of consent and a copy of the identity card of the custodial person not present
- If applicable, proof of custody if there is only one person with custody
- If applicable, document with current name, for example
- birth certificate, marriage certificate, marriage certificate
- family register
- Declaration on the use of the name
- Further documents may be required, for example
- in the event of loss or theft: police report
A basic fee is always charged for a passport, and it depends on your age. Since February 7, 2026, this basic fee for
- people 24 years of age and older is: 70 euros (valid for 10 years)
- For individuals under 24 years of age: 37.50 euros (valid for 6 years).
Additional fees may apply for extra services (e.g., photos, expedited processing). Please check with your local civil affairs office.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior has compiled key information on the security features of current passports.
Simply explained
The German passport allows you to enter over 170 countries worldwide as a tourist without a visa. You need a passport if you want to travel to countries outside the European Union (EU). If you have German citizenship, you can apply for a German passport.
The passport
- is recognized both within the EU and outside the EU,
- has a chip and is
- and can be applied for by people of any age from birth.
Passport for children
Your child also needs a passport if you are planning to travel outside the EU.
Since January 1, 2024, passports for children are no longer issued. You can apply for a regular passport for your child.
Does your child still have a valid children's passport?
You can continue to use it until
- the validity expires
- the information no longer applies, with the exception of the height information
- the photo is no longer sufficient to clearly identify your child
Note: The children's passport is no longer recognized by all countries. Please check where your child's passport is recognized before you travel. Use the travel and security information from the Federal Foreign Office (AA).
Responsibilities
You can apply for a passport at the citizens' office in your place of residence. If you have more than one place of residence, the Citizens' Registration Office at your main place of residence is responsible.
If there is an important reason, you can also apply for your passport at an authority outside your place of residence. This may incur additional costs for you.
If you live abroad or your passport has been lost abroad, you can apply for your passport at the German representation abroad.
What requirements must be met?
- You have German citizenship.
- You are present in person when you apply for your passport.
- If you are applying for a passport for your child or someone you look after, they must also be present when you apply.
- for children under the age of 18:
- You have custodial rights.
- There must be no grounds for refusing a passport. This includes, for example, the assumption that you are in danger of losing your passport by leaving the country.
- criminal prosecution,
- enforcement of a sentence or
- to evade a statutory maintenance obligation.
What else is important?
Frequently asked questions and answers
Did you already know? More benefits for families
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