If you have German citizenship, you might consider applying for a German passport (deutscher Reisepass). For German nationals, having a passport is necessary for travelling to most countries outside of the European Union. Moreover, if you do not have an identity card, you might actually need a German passport, as the law requires all German citizens to have a valid form of identification.
How to apply for a German passport
To apply for a German passport (Reisepass beantragen) you can make an appointment at the citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) in the municipality in which you are registered. You can also apply at citizens’ offices in other municipalities but you may have to pay a supplementary fee. You must attend the appointment in person; it is not possible for someone else to apply on your behalf.
Documents needed for a passport application
You must bring the following with you to your appointment:
- A recent photo that meets the government’s strict passport photo requirements (page in German).
- Documents that prove your identity and your German nationality (e.g. a current or expired passport or identity card, and your German naturalisation certificate, if applicable).
At the appointment they will also take fingerprints from your left and right index fingers, to be stored in a special chip in the passport.
Children’s passport
In 2012, a new EU ruling came into effect, requiring all children to have their own form of identification and making it impossible for them to travel internationally on their parents’ passports. Parents in Germany were therefore given the option of either applying for a regular, biometric passport for their children (as above), or applying for a children’s passport (Kinderpass) through the same process.
The Kinderpass had the advantages of being cheaper and taking less time to process, but as it held a maximum validity of one year and was not recognised by many countries around the world - and in some cases within the EU - in October 2023 the German government voted to abolished the Kinderpass.
As of January 1, 2024, therefore, children's passports can no longer be reissued, extended or updated in Germany. However, any children's passports that have already been issued can continue to be used until the end of their validity, at which point the parents will be required to apply for a regular biometric passport for their child. You can see which countries accept the Kinderpass on the Foreign Office website.
How much does a German passport cost?
The cost of applying for a German passport depends on your age, location, and how quickly you need it. If you are a frequent traveller, you can also pay to have extra pages for visa stamps.
German passport application fees 2025
German passport applications processing time
Your new passport will be manufactured centrally at the Federal Printing Office in Berlin. From the time of application, it usually takes three to six weeks before you can pick it up from the citizens' office. You can also authorise someone to collect it for you by providing a signed letter of consent.
If you need your passport quicker, you can apply for the express option. If you submit your application before midday, your passport will usually be ready to pick up three working days later. A supplement is payable if you choose this option.
How to apply for a German passport from abroad
If you are a German citizen living abroad and you would like to apply for a German passport, you can do this at the German mission in your country of residence. You are required to make an appointment in advance, fill in a passport application form and then attend the appointment with all your required documents.
As of 2007, it is no longer possible to submit passport applications via post. This is due to the fact that all applicants now have to submit two fingerprints to be stored in the special chip in the passport. These fingerprints will be taken at your appointment.
It usually takes around four to six weeks to process a German passport abroad, as all documents are printed at the Federal Printing Office in Berlin. If any additional information is needed, it can take even longer. It is therefore essential to start the application process well in advance of any travel plans.
Period of validity of a German passport
German passports are valid for 10 years for adults and for six years for youths under the age of 24. The children’s passport is also valid for six years or until the child reaches the age of 12.
German passport features
As of January 1, 1988, German passports - like other passports issued by the European Union - have a burgundy red cover. They feature the German Eagle on the front and the word "Reisepass". German passports have 32 pages as standard, but 48-page versions can be issued on request, for frequent travellers.
The first two pages are security laminated and include personal data about the holder, including:
- Passport photo
- Passport number
- Surname
- Name at birth
- Given name(s)
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Nationality
- Date of issue
- Date of expirty
- Owner's signature
German passport number
Each German passport has a unique, nine-digit passport number. It is a random assortment of the numerals zero to nine, and the letters C, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, R, T, V, W, X, Y and Z. The first character is always a latter. You may sometimes need to use this number, for instance when applying for visas abroad or staying in foreign hotels.
How do I renew a German passport?
If your German passport is close to expiring, you must request a new one by following the above procedure. If you need to travel during the processing time and your old passport is still valid, it may be possible to keep it until your new one is ready.
What to do if your passport is lost or stolen in Germany
While you are in Germany, if you misplace your passport or it is stolen, the action you should take depends on which country issued it.
Lost German passport in Germany
If your German passport is lost or stolen, you are required to report it to the responsible passport office (usually your local citizens’ office) as soon as possible. You must also inform the office if you later find the passport that you reported lost. The same applies to children’s passports. The office will inform the German police of the loss.
You will need to apply for a new passport following the same procedure as above. If you need to travel urgently, you could use the express service or alternatively it is possible to apply for a temporary passport (valid for maximum one year) that covers you until your permanent one arrives. This usually costs around 26 euros.
Lost foreign passport in Germany
If your non-German passport is lost or stolen in Germany you should immediately report this to the police and ask them to issue you with a notice of loss or theft. You can then contact your closest embassy to arrange an alternative travel document.
Can I have more than one passport?
Depending on the conditions under which you gained German citizenship, it is usually possible for you to have one or more passports in addition to your German one. This is usually the case when you have dual German citizenship.
Benefits of having a German passport
The German passport enables you to travel to more than 190 countries around the world without needing a visa. You also gain freedom of movement within the EU. The other advantages are detailed on our page on German citizenship.