From 1 May 2025, photos for ID cards or passports may only be submitted in digital format. They can be taken either at the relevant government offices for a fee or at photo shops. From there, they must be sent to the citizens’ registration office or ID card authority via a secure electronic connection.
Protection against forgery
The basis for this is the ‘Act to Strengthen Security in Passport, Identity Card and Foreigners’ Documents’—or so the complicated name goes. The idea behind it is that photos for ID cards should no longer be able to be manipulated, for example by morphing (transformation). This computer-assisted process merges the facial features of different people into one photo.
Clarify costs in advance
Biometric images for identity documents (passports, identity cards or electronic residence permits) can usually be taken at the relevant authorities or administrative offices. If the authorities have a corresponding system from the Federal Printing Office, the photo costs 6 euros nationwide, for example at the Tübingen Citizens’ Office. You should clarify whether the relevant office has the appropriate technology and what kind of photo is required before your appointment with the authorities. This is what the Federal Ministry of the Interior writes in its frequently asked questions on the subject of photos for ID cards.
See ID card portal | Biometrics
and City of Tübingen | Identity card
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