Germany starts next phase of digitalisation for ID and residence cards

Pass photos are soon only available digitally. The city of Neuss takes the nationwide change as an opportunity to set up its own devices in the town hall. Photo studios therefore fear for their existence and are angry.

Germany starts next phase of digitalisation for ID and residence cards

From May this year, only digital photos will be accepted for German ID cards and residence permits as the government completes the latest phase of its digitalisation offensive.

Visiting the office is set to become easier: Starting in early May, only digital photos will be valid for passports and identity cards. However, until the end of July, citizens can temporarily bring a paper photo as usual.

When applying for a new passport, a digital passport image must be brought with you from May 1st. This should provide more security against digital forgeries.

In the future, citizens will only have to go to the office once more to apply for an identity card or passport. The vehicle license will also become digital. Questions and answers about what this means in practice.

Those who apply for a new Perso or passport from May must present their passport photo digitally – or have it done directly in the civil office. However, exceptions are still valid until July.