🇩🇪 Germany

Personalausweis

National ID Card Application

Easy ~10 min IdentityID CardAusweis

/ What is this form?

The Personalausweis is mandatory for all German citizens aged 16 and over. It serves as an official identity document and travel document within the EU and EEA. It includes an electronic identity (eID) function that allows secure login to online government services.

The card is valid for 10 years for adults; for persons under 24 it is valid for 6 years. It is produced centrally by the Bundesdruckerei and sent to the Bürgeramt, where you collect it in person.

Since 2021, the card can also be used with smartphones via NFC for digital authentication.

/ Who needs this form?

All German citizens aged 16 and over (mandatory by law)
Anyone whose Personalausweis is expired, lost, or stolen
Children under 16 who need ID for international travel within the EU

/ What you need before you start

Old Personalausweis, or birth certificate for first-time applicants

Biometric passport photo (35x45mm)

Fee: €37 for adults, €22.80 for persons under 24

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Book Bürgeramt Appointment

Book your appointment online at your local Bürgeramt.

2 Get Biometric Photo

Have a biometric-compliant photo taken (35x45mm, frontal, neutral expression).

3 Attend Appointment

Bring your old Personalausweis or birth certificate (first application), photo, and fee (€37 adults / €22.80 under 24).

4 Activate eID

Set a 6-digit PIN for the eID (online ID) function — you'll need it for digital government services.

5 Collect After 2–4 Weeks

The card is sent to the Bürgeramt and you collect it there.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
eID-Funktion	Set a 6-digit PIN to activate the electronic ID function during the application.	Declining to activate eID — it is required for more and more online government services.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Letting the card expire without noticing — set a calendar reminder before expiry.

Not activating the eID PIN — you can't use online government services without it.

/ Frequently asked questions

Can I travel to other countries with just the Personalausweis?

Yes, within the EU and EEA. For destinations outside Europe (including USA, UK post-Brexit, Turkey), you need a Reisepass.