Since 1 May 2025, authorities have only accepted photos created and transmitted digitally for identity documents. A normal passport photo on paper is no longer sufficient. Chemists, photographers, photo shops and others who take the photos transmit them directly to the relevant authority via a secure electronic connection.
Anyone who has their photo taken will only receive a QR code in the shop, which they can then present to the citizens’ office or ID authority, for example. The authorities will then retrieve the photos electronically.
Protection against forgeries
The basis for this is the “Act to Strengthen Security in Passport, ID Card and Foreigners’ Documents” of 3 December 2020. The idea behind this is to prevent images for identity documents from being manipulated, for example through 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 sometimes be taken at the relevant authorities or administrative offices. Many people also have their photos taken at drugstores, photo shops or by photographers, provided they can guarantee secure transmission. It is worth comparing prices.
Information from the Federal Ministry of the Interior on simplified ID card applications from May 2025:
BMI—Simplified ID card application
Law on strengthening security in passport, ID card and foreigner law documentation dated 3 December 2020:
Federal Law Gazette—Law on strengthening security in passport, ID card and foreigner law documentation
See:
ID card portal | Biometrics
City of Tübingen | ID card
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