Applying for a Passport in Easy-to-Read Language

Would you like to travel abroad?

And are you a German citizen?

Then you can apply for a passport.

• Why do you need a passport?
• Where do you apply for one?
• What do you need to apply?
• What are the requirements for the photo?
• How much does a passport cost?
• Where can you get help?

With a passport, you can travel to many countries.

In some countries, an ID card is sufficient.

In other countries, you need a passport. 

The passport is valid in over 170 countries.

Some countries require a visa.

A visa is a permit to enter a country.

Important:
Are you traveling abroad with your child?

Then your child may also need a passport. 

On this website, we explain
how to apply for one for your child:

“Apply for a passport for children”

You can submit the application at your city’s Citizen Services Office.

The Citizen Services Office is often located in City Hall.

Make an appointment in advance.

You can usually schedule an appointment online.

You must attend the appointment in person.

You will also need to bring some documents. 

For example:

• your ID card
• or your old passport
• a recent biometric photo

You may need additional documents. 

For example:

• Your birth certificate
• A marriage certificate
• or your family register

Maybe someone stole your ID? 

In that case, you’ll need a police report.

The following is also important for the application:

• You are a German citizen.
• You must attend the appointment in person.

Sometimes a person is not allowed to get a passport.

For example:

You want to leave Germany. 

And you want to do so in order to:

• Avoid going to court
• Avoid going to prison
• Avoid taking care of your child

Then the authorities will examine the case closely.

To get a passport, you need a
biometric photo.

Biometric means:

The photo must meet certain requirements. 

For example:

• The photo must be recent.
• The face must be clearly visible.
• The face must be looking directly at the camera. 

You can find the rules here:
Passport Photo Template for Adults

This information is provided in plain language.

You can have the photo taken:

• at Foto-Graf
• at the Citizens' Office

The photographer must be certified to take passport photos.

A travel pass costs money.

The cost depends on your age:

• People under 24: 37.50 euros
  (valid for 6 years)
• People 24 and older: 70 euros
  (valid for 10 years)

It might cost more. 

For example, for:

• the passport photo
• an expedited processing fee

Expedited processing means:
You’ll receive your passport faster. 

In that case, you may have to pay more.

Check with the Citizens’ Office.

Do you have questions about your passport?

If so, your city’s civil affairs office can help you.

Not sure which civil affairs office is responsible?

Then search online for:

“Passport + Place of Residence”

Or call the government hotline:

Phone 115.