AmtsDeutschland
0%
Skip to main content
Authorities Most popular Guides
FAQ Contact
Find an official procedure

Apply for a passport

Bürgeramt · passport authority

In personExpress availablePassG § 5

The passport is the most important travel document for trips abroad outside the EU. It allows visa-free travel to more than 190 countries and, as an electronic passport (ePass), stores biometric data securely on a chip – the facial image and, from the sixth birthday, two fingerprints. You apply for it in person at the competent passport authority, usually the Bürgeramt (citizens’ office) of your principal residence. The legal basis is the Passport Act (Passgesetz, PassG).

Under § 5 PassG, the regular passport is valid for ten years, and for six years for persons under 24. Since 1 January 2024, the fee has been €70.00 (aged 24 and over) or €37.50 (under 24). If you have to travel at short notice, you can choose the express procedure for a surcharge of €32.00. The temporary passport (vorläufiger Reisepass), which has no chip, is available immediately for €26.00. The children’s passport (Kinderreisepass) was abolished with effect from 1 January 2024.

The passport obligation follows from § 1 Abs. 1 PassG: anyone leaving or entering the federal territory must carry a valid passport. For travel within the EU and the Schengen area, the identity card (Personalausweis) is sufficient as an alternative, but not for most third countries. The application must always be submitted strictly in person – including for babies and toddlers, who have needed their own full travel document since the children’s passport was abolished. The competent authority is the passport authority of your principal residence; any other authority may accept the application, but under § 27 Abs. 2 of the Passport Ordinance (Passverordnung, PassV) it charges double the fee for this.

Last updated3 October 2026
Legal basis§ 1, § 4, § 5 PassG · § 27 PassV
VerificationChecked against bmi.bund.de & gesetze-im-internet.de
Written and reviewed byAndrés Sánchez Botta
Independent information website: we are not the Bürgeramt, not an authority and not a paid advice service – we do not submit applications on your behalf. All information comes from official sources and is explained here in plain language; binding information always comes from the competent body. Processing times and appointment availability can vary depending on the local authority. All information is provided without guarantee. We are neither lawyers nor tax consultants: we document official procedures and check the information against the official source – this is information, not legal or tax advice.
Costs€70.00Under 24: €37.50
Processing time3–4 weeksExpress: 3rd working day (+€32)
MethodIn personBiometric data capture
Validity10 yearsUnder 24: 6 years
Required documents

What you need to bring

Identity card or previous passport

To establish your identity, present a valid identity document in the original – copies, scans or photos on your smartphone are not accepted. If you are applying for a new passport to replace an existing one, bring your previous passport: under § 15 PassG, you are obliged to hand it over when you receive the new passport. If it still contains valid visas, it is usually invalidated (corner cut or punched holes) and returned to you so that the visas remain usable.

Biometric passport photo (digital)

The decisive provision is § 16 PassV: the photograph must be recent and comply with the Technical Guideline TR-03121 of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) (Abs. 1), and it must show the person in a frontal shot, without head covering, without covering of the eyes and without parts of a uniform (Abs. 2). The values themselves are set out in Annex 8: the face takes up 70 to 80% of the height of the photo – for children 50 to 80%, with permitted deviations up to the age of ten –, the facial expression is neutral, the gaze is directed straight into the camera, the mouth is closed, and the shadow-free background is of a single colour and contrasts clearly with the face and the hair. The annex does not prescribe a colour: what is required is a single colour and contrast, not white or a particular shade of grey. Glasses are only permitted if the eyes are fully visible and without reflections; § 16 Abs. 2 PassV permits head coverings in particular for religious reasons, and deviations from the other requirements for medical reasons that are not merely temporary. § 16 Abs. 3 PassV now mentions the familiar paper size of 45 × 35 millimetres in portrait format and without a border only for cases where electronic capture is not possible abroad. Since 1 May 2025, paper passport photos are no longer accepted in Germany: the photo is either taken directly at the authority at a terminal or transmitted by the photo studio to the passport authority via a secure electronic channel.

Birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde) for a first application

If you are applying for a German passport for the first time or your data in the population register (Melderegister) is incomplete, the passport authority requires the birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde) in the original. You can obtain it from the Standesamt (registry office) at your place of birth; a birth certificate does not expire, but some authorities insist on a newly issued copy if there are doubts. For children, the birth certificate also proves parentage and therefore who has parental custody.

Proof of German nationality

If the authority does not know your nationality beyond doubt – for example after naturalisation, in the case of late repatriates (Spätaussiedler) or applicants born abroad – you must prove it. A naturalisation certificate, a certificate of nationality (Staatsangehörigkeitsausweis) or the certificate under § 15 of the Federal Expellees Act (Bundesvertriebenengesetz, BVFG) are accepted. The certificate of nationality is issued by the nationality authority; the processing time depends on the competent authority and can delay the passport application considerably – so take care of it early.

Approval of the persons with parental custody (for minors)

Under § 6 Abs. 1 PassG, an application for a minor child may only be submitted by a person with parental custody who determines the child’s residence. With joint parental custody, the approval of both parents is required; if only one parent attends, they need the other parent’s consent in writing together with a copy of their identity document, as well as proof of parental custody – the birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde), a declaration of parental custody (Sorgeerklärung) or a court order. The child must come along to the appointment in person, because the photograph and – from the sixth birthday – fingerprints are taken.

Proof of a change of name or status

If your name has changed – for example through marriage, divorce or a change of name –, bring the relevant certificate: you can obtain the marriage certificate (Eheurkunde) from the Standesamt where the marriage took place, and the final divorce decree (Scheidungsurteil) from the competent Amtsgericht (local court). Without this proof, the passport is issued in the name previously held in the register, and a later correction costs the full fee again. After a move, you should also have the Meldebestätigung (official confirmation of registration) to hand in case the address has not yet been updated.

Report of loss (Verlustanzeige) for a missing passport

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you must report this to the passport authority without delay under § 15 PassG. When you apply for a new one, bring the police report or the confirmation of loss; the old passport is entered in the police search for objects (Sachfahndung) and can be retained during checks – however, reporting the loss does not make it invalid within the meaning of § 11 PassG. If it turns up later, you must also report its recovery without delay (§ 15 Nr. 3 PassG); only then is the police search deleted. If a new passport has already been issued, the old one is withdrawn, because nobody may hold more than one German passport without a proven legitimate interest (§ 1 Abs. 3, § 12 Abs. 2 PassG).

Proof of a legitimate interest (second passport)

Under § 1 Abs. 3 PassG, you must not hold more than one German passport unless a legitimate interest is proven. Typical proof is a certificate from your employer confirming frequent travel abroad, or evidence that your first passport is with an embassy for a visa procedure or that entry stamps prevent entry into another country. Under § 5 Abs. 1 PassG, the additional passport is limited to six years, regardless of the applicant’s age.

Step by step

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Find the competent passport authority and book an appointment

    The competent authority is the passport authority – usually the Bürgeramt – of your principal residence. Book the appointment via your city’s online portal; in large cities, calendars are often fully booked several weeks in advance, which is why you should book very early if you are planning a trip. Some offices keep remaining slots free for the following day or offer consultation hours without an appointment. If, at your own request, you have the application processed by an authority that is not competent, the fee doubles under § 27 Abs. 2 PassV – the same applies if, at your instigation, the official act takes place outside the authority’s official hours.

  2. 2

    Provide a biometric passport photo digitally

    Since 1 May 2025, paper passport photos are no longer permitted in Germany. Either the authority photographs you directly on site at a self-service terminal, or a photo studio transmits the picture to the office via a secure electronic channel. If the authority takes the photograph itself, this costs an additional €6.00 nationwide under § 27 Abs. 1 Nr. 5 PassV. Before your appointment, check which option your authority supports. Allow around ten extra minutes for the photo and do not wear glasses with strong reflections, so that the picture is not rejected.

  3. 3

    Attend in person and give your fingerprints

    The submission of the application must be made strictly in person; representation by authorised representatives is not possible. At the office, your data is compared with the population register, you provide the signature that will later appear in the passport and, under § 4 PassG, you give flat prints of your left and right index fingers. If the index fingers cannot be used, the thumb, middle finger or ring finger is taken instead; for children until their sixth birthday, no fingerprints are stored. The data is stored exclusively in the passport chip and is deleted at the authority and the manufacturer after production. Expect the appointment itself to take about 15 to 30 minutes.

  4. 4

    Choose the passport type and pay the fee

    Decide at the office whether you want the standard passport with 32 pages, the 48-page version (+€22.00) or the express procedure (+€32.00) – this cannot be changed afterwards. The fee is due immediately: €70.00 for persons aged 24 and over, €37.50 for those under that age. Many offices accept only EC cards, others only cash; check the means of payment in advance, otherwise the appointment will fall through. If the person liable to pay the fee is in need, the authority can reduce the fee or waive its collection under § 28 PassV – bring a current benefit notice for this.

  5. 5

    Wait for production and check the status

    The application goes to the passport manufacturer in Berlin, where the passport is personalised and the chip is written. Under the regular procedure, expect three to four weeks, but at least two weeks; it can take longer during holiday periods. With the express procedure, the passport is usually ready on the third working day after receipt by the manufacturer. Whether you are notified by letter, SMS or email and whether an online status check is offered depends on the competent authority – ask about this when you submit the application.

  6. 6

    Collect the passport and hand in the old one

    Collection is usually in person with the collection slip and a valid identity document; whether collection by an authorised representative is permitted depends on the competent authority. On handover, the chip is read and checked to make sure it works – complain about errors in spelling, photograph or chip immediately on the spot, because issuing a new document later will again be subject to a fee. Under § 15 PassG, you must hand over your previous passport; if it still contains valid visas, it is invalidated and returned to you. At home, check your name, date of birth and period of validity again.

Fee information

Costs and payment

Fees

Passport (aged 24 and over)€70.00
Passport (under 24)€37.50
Express surcharge+ €32.00
Photograph taken by the authority+ €6.00
Home delivery+ €15.00
48 pages (frequent travellers)+ €22.00
Vorläufiger Reisepass€26.00
Authority not competent or outside official hoursdouble fee
Reduction in case of need§ 28 PassV
Means of paymentEC card / cash (depending on the office)

The fees are laid down uniformly nationwide in § 27 of the Passport Ordinance (PassV) and have applied at this level since 1 January 2024 – in Hamburg just as in Munich, Cologne or Leipzig. The ordinance of 7 February 2026 did not change § 27 PassV with regard to the passport fee; at that time, only the identity card fee and the fee for the travel document as a passport substitute issued by the Federal Police were increased. The fees can only be added together; they do not vary regionally. Example calculation: a passport for persons aged 24 and over with 48 pages costs €92.00, the same passport in the express procedure €124.00; for under-24s it is €59.50 and €91.50 respectively. If, at your own request, you have the official act carried out by an authority that is not competent or outside the authority’s official hours, the fee doubles under § 27 Abs. 2 PassV – €70.00 then becomes €140.00. For issuance by a consular or diplomatic representation of the Federal Republic abroad, higher rates apply under § 27 Abs. 3 PassV. If the person liable to pay the fee is in need, the authority can reduce the fee or waive its collection under § 28 PassV; this is at the authority’s discretion and requires proof, for example a current notice awarding Bürgergeld (citizen’s benefit) or social assistance (Sozialhilfe).

Good to know

Important notes

The vorläufiger Reisepass is issued immediately (€26.00), is valid for a maximum of one year and has no chip. Many countries do not accept it – it is only suitable for urgent short trips.

If you travel a lot, you can apply for a passport with 48 instead of 32 pages – for a surcharge of €22.00. This prevents a full passport from having to be replaced early.

For visa-free entry into the USA (Visa Waiver Programme), an electronic passport with a chip is mandatory. A vorläufiger Reisepass without a chip is not recognised there.

Since 1 January 2024, there has no longer been a children’s passport. Children need their own travel document from birth and receive a regular ePass for €37.50.

Many countries require the passport to still be valid for at least six months on entry. Check the remaining validity in good time and, if necessary, apply for a new passport early.

An extension of the period of validity is expressly not permitted under § 5 Abs. 4 PassG. Even a passport that has almost expired is not “topped up” – you apply for a completely new document, and the fee is charged again in full.

Second passport: § 1 Abs. 3 PassG prohibits holding more than one German passport unless you prove a legitimate interest – for example frequent travel for work while your first passport is with an embassy for a visa procedure, or stamps that block entry into another country. Under § 5 Abs. 1 PassG, the additional passport is valid for six years.

You must report loss and theft to the passport authority without delay under § 15 PassG – as well as any later recovery. If this happens abroad, contact the nearest German embassy or consulate; costs, the type of document and the processing time there depend on the competent mission.

Under § 7 Abs. 1 PassG, the passport can be refused if facts justify the assumption that the person concerned intends to evade a statutory maintenance obligation or their tax and customs obligations, to evade criminal prosecution or to endanger significant interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The passport authority does not issue German passports to foreign nationals. In that case, the competent body is the diplomatic mission of the home country; anyone who is stateless or has been recognised as a refugee receives travel documents through the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners authority). Only naturalisation gives rise to an entitlement to a German passport.

Avoid these mistakes

Common mistakes

Applying at too short notice. The regular passport takes three to four weeks. Anyone who applies too late has to choose the expensive express option or postpone the trip.

Using the vorläufiger Reisepass for the USA. It has no chip and is not accepted under the Visa Waiver Programme – entry can be refused.

Bringing a paper passport photo. Since May 2025, paper photos are no longer permitted in Germany – the photo must come digitally from the office or the photographer, otherwise the appointment is lost.

Overlooking the remaining validity. Many countries require validity of at least six months beyond the end of the trip. A passport with too little remaining validity leads to refusal of entry.

Not reporting the loss. Anyone who does not report the loss – or the later recovery – of the passport without delay commits a regulatory offence (Ordnungswidrigkeit) under § 25 PassG, which can be punished with a regulatory fine (Geldbuße) of up to €5,000. In addition, a document that has not been blocked remains usable for identity misuse.

Submitting the application to the wrong authority. Anyone who, at their own request, has the passport issued by a passport authority that is not competent pays double the fee under § 27 Abs. 2 PassV – €140.00 instead of €70.00. The same applies to appointments that you arrange outside the authority’s official hours.

Only one parent attends, without consent. If, with joint parental custody, the other parent’s approval in writing is missing, the authority does not accept the application. The appointment is lost, and in large cities you often wait several weeks for the next available appointment.

Not bringing the old passport to the collection. Under § 15 PassG, the previous passport must be handed over on receipt of the new one. If it is missing, many offices do not release the new passport – you have to come a second time and lose valuable days before your trip.

Only noticing errors in the passport at home. Misspelt names or a defective chip can be complained about immediately on handover. Anyone who objects only later risks having to pay for issuing a new document themselves – and a passport with an unreadable chip is not accepted under the Visa Waiver Programme.

Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers

What does the passport photo have to look like?
Under § 16 PassV, the photograph must be recent and comply with the Technical Guideline TR-03121 of the BSI; it shows the person in a frontal shot, without head covering, without covering of the eyes and without parts of a uniform. The specific values are set out in Annex 8: the face takes up 70 to 80% of the height of the photo, for children 50 to 80% with permitted deviations up to the age of ten. The facial expression is neutral, the gaze is directed straight into the camera, the mouth is closed, and the shadow-free background is of a single colour and contrasts clearly with the face and hair – no particular colour is prescribed. § 16 Abs. 2 PassV permits exceptions in particular for religious reasons and for permanent medical reasons.
How long is a passport valid?

Under § 5 PassG, a passport is valid for ten years. For persons who have not yet reached the age of 24, it is valid for six years. An extension of the period of validity is not permitted by law – after expiry, a new passport must be applied for.

How much does a passport cost in 2026?

Since 1 January 2024, a passport has cost €70.00 for persons aged 24 and over and €37.50 for persons under 24; the fee increase of 7 February 2026 only affected the identity card and the travel document as a passport substitute issued by the Federal Police, not the passport. The express procedure costs an additional €32.00, and a passport with 48 pages an additional €22.00. The vorläufiger Reisepass costs €26.00.

Is the identity card sufficient instead of a passport?

Within the EU, in the Schengen area and in some other countries, the identity card is sufficient as a travel document. For travel to many third countries – such as the USA, Canada or most Asian countries – a valid passport is required, however. Check the entry requirements of your destination country before every trip.

How quickly can I get a passport with the express service?

If the application reaches the passport manufacturer in Berlin by 12:00, the express passport is usually ready at your authority on the third working day thereafter (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays). The express surcharge is €32.00 in addition to the regular fee. The passport still contains a fully functional chip.

Does the children’s passport (Kinderreisepass) still exist?

No. The children’s passport was abolished with effect from 1 January 2024. Children need their own travel document for travel abroad and receive a regular electronic passport (€37.50, valid for six years). For children under six, no fingerprints are stored.

Do I need a biometric passport for the USA?

Yes. For visa-free entry into the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme, an electronic passport with a chip (ePass) is mandatory. A vorläufiger Reisepass without a chip is not recognised for this – so allow for the regular processing time.

What is the temporary passport (vorläufiger Reisepass)?

The vorläufiger Reisepass is issued immediately on site and costs €26.00. Under § 5 Abs. 3 PassG, it is valid for a maximum of one year and contains no chip. As many countries do not accept it or accept it only to a limited extent, it is only suitable for short-notice, urgent trips.

Can I get a second passport?

In principle, § 1 Abs. 3 PassG prohibits holding more than one German passport. A second passport is only issued if you prove a legitimate interest – for example frequent business trips while your first passport is with an embassy for a visa to be issued, or entry stamps that prevent entry into another country. Under § 5 Abs. 1 PassG, the additional passport is limited to six years.

What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?

Report the loss to the passport authority without delay; in the event of theft, also report it to the police and bring the confirmation when you apply for a new passport. The notification is not a formality: anyone who fails to make it or makes it late commits a regulatory offence (Ordnungswidrigkeit) under § 25 PassG, which can be punished with up to €5,000. Abroad, the nearest German embassy or consulate can help with a passport substitute document.

Can I apply for a passport somewhere other than my place of residence?

In principle, the competent authority is the passport authority of your principal residence. Another authority can process the application at your instigation, but under § 27 Abs. 2 PassV it charges double the fee for this – i.e. €140.00 instead of €70.00. The same doubling applies if, at your request, the official act is carried out outside the authority’s official hours.

Related official procedures

Identity card
For travel within the EU
From €27.60
Register your address
Obligation to report
Free of charge
Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
Proof of residence
€0–€16

Cannot find the official procedure you are looking for?

Tell us what information you need.

Send a request