Bürgerämter will only accept ID photos digitally from May

According to a report from the dpa, citizens’ offices (Bürgerämter) in Germany will soon decline printed pictures as part of applications for new IDs, residence permit cards and passports.

Bürgerämter to digitise photo submission for IDs and passports

From May 1, 2025, anyone in Germany who is renewing their photo ID, such as a residence permit card or passport, through their local Bürgeramt, will have to submit a biometric photo digitally rather than bringing a printed biometric photo to their appointment.

This would apply if you are renewing your physical residence permit card at the Bürgeramt, rather than if your residence status is up for review at the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde).

Bürgerämter employees will only accept digital photographs that have been taken on site or forwarded by a photo studio via a specified, secure channel. Once received, staff will check to make sure the pictures meet the biometric criteria for an ID card or passport.

Under the new rules, Bürgerämter are obliged to accept compliant digital photos but are not obliged to have a device on site that takes ID-compliant photos. This means that in the future, it is best to get your picture taken at a studio that can send the file to the Bürgeramt through a secure channel.

The new system is being implemented as part of the Act to Strengthen Security in Passport, ID and Foreigner Documentation, which was passed by the Bundestag in 2020. Authorities hope the new process will reduce fraud and photo manipulation.

Printed photos will be accepted until July 2025

The main reason for the delay between passing the law and implementing the change was the need to set up a secure digital system for transmitting the ID photographs. 

For now, there will also be a grace period as residents and local offices get used to the new system. Bürgerämter will continue to accept printed ID photos until July 31, 2025. 

In this case, if the Bürgeramt has a photo studio, employees will waive the six-euro fee for having your picture taken on-site.

Thumb image credit: Bastian Kienitz / Shutterstock.com