When you apply for an identity card, it usually takes several weeks to receive it. If you need an identity card more quickly, you can apply for a temporary identity card. The temporary identity card will be issued to you immediately after your application has been processed.
Since May 1, 2025, there are new regulations regarding the required photo (passport photo):
From this date, you will no longer be permitted to submit paper-based photos. Instead, you will need an electronic photo. The photo must be provided digitally and transmitted to the relevant office via a secure cloud service. You can bring the QR code provided by a photographer. Alternatively, you can take the photo on-site. Further information can be found in the "Links" section.
More Information
Publisher
Hamburg
Last update or date of publication
Contact
The government service telephone number 115 – your point of contact for questions related to the federal, state and local.
Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 18:00 (and beyond these times in some regions).
Call 115 nowGovernment service telephone number calls are charged at local rates.
- Proof of identity, for example
- old identity card
- valid passport or child's passport
- birth certificate if applicable
- all necessary documents and evidence if there has been a change in the personal data, for example
- Birth, marriage, marriage certificate
- Declaration on the use of names
- current biometric passport photo in electronic form
- You may no longer submit paper-based photos as of May 1, 2025.
- The photo must be provided digitally and transmitted to the responsible office via a secure cloud service. You can bring the QR code provided by a photographer. Alternatively, you can take the photo on-site. A photo booth (speed capture terminal) is available. The cost for an on-site photo is €6.00. You will not receive a printout. Please note that the photo booth is not suitable for taking passport photos of infants and very young children.
- for children under 16 years of age
- Proof of custody in the case of sole custody
- Declaration of consent and identity card (alternatively a legible and recognizable copy of the identity card) of absent legal guardians in case of shared custody
- Consent form and identity card of all absent legal guardians in case of shared custody
- after naturalization: passport or ID card of the country of birth or identity card, naturalization certificate
Preconditions
- You have German citizenship.
- You are personally present when submitting the application.
If you are under 16 years of age:
- A parent or legal guardian will submit the application together with you. If you have shared custody, the parent or legal guardian with whom you primarily reside must be present.
- You provide an important reason why you do not apply for an identity card at the authority responsible for your main residence.
- The competent authority at your primary residence approves. Approval is obtained from the authority to which you intend to submit the application.
Hints
The identification requirement applies to you if you
- have German citizenship
- have reached the age of 16
- are registered in Germany
- do not have a valid passport
People without a permanent residence or homeless people in Hamburg should contact the Hamburg Service location in Hamburg-Mitte.
10.00 EUR
Surcharge for applications not submitted at the main residence: EUR 13.00
Basis for legal action
Identity Card Act (PAuswG)
www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pauswg/BJNR134610009.html
Legal Remedies
No
Related Links
- Collect your ID cardCurrently this link is only available in german
- Federal Foreign Office - documents, certificationsCurrently this link is only available in german
- ID cards, as electronic proof of identityCurrently this link is only available in german
- ID cards, serial numberCurrently this link is only available in german
- Identity cardCurrently this link is only available in german
- Information on the identity card on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and HomelandCurrently this link is only available in german
- Locations and opening hours of the Hamburg Service on site
- Photo sample board (Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs)Currently this link is only available in german
- Sign language "Applying for an identity card"Currently this link is only available in german
Procedure
- You can make an appointment online or by calling 115.
- If you do not want to apply for a temporary identity card at the place of your primary residence, find out whether your reason for doing so will be accepted.
- You will appear in person at the appointment - if necessary together with all other relevant persons - and apply for the provisional identity card by submitting the necessary documents.
- You pay the fee.
- The temporary identity card will be issued to you immediately after processing on site.
Deadlines
The validity period is a maximum of 3 months.
Processing time
You will receive the provisional identity card immediately.