13. May 2026

Proving your identity during ticket inspections

Some tickets, such as the Deutschlandticket, are valid on Deutsche Bahn only for a specific person. Anyone holding a “non-transferable ticket or travel pass” must be able to provide proof of identity. Rail staff must be able to verify that the ticket actually belongs to the person in question. Many people can provide proof of identity with an identity card or passport. If refugees or asylum seekers do not have these documents, they can also present an electronic residence permit or a certificate confirming their registration as an asylum seeker. Rail staff use these documents solely to verify identity, but do not perform any official duties. They do not, for example, check residency status. In response to an enquiry from tuenews INTERNATIONAL, Deutsche Bahn’s press office points out that requesting sensitive personal data, such as a visa or residence permit, “is expressly not part of train staff’s duties”.
Further information:
www.bahn.de
www.bahn.de/faq

tun26030305

www.tuenews.de/en