Extend identity card: duration and costs
If your identity card has expired or is about to expire, you must have it extended. In this practical tip we explain how high the costs are, how long it takes and how it works.
Extend your ID card - you have to be aware of that
According to the law, you must be able to present a valid ID in Germany. If your ID card is no longer valid or will soon expire, you should apply for a new ID immediately.
- To apply for a German identity card, you need German citizenship and must be at least 16 years old. Under the age of 16, a legal representative must apply for the ID.
- In addition, you must appear in person with the following documents at the responsible citizens' office: a current, biometric photo and your old identity card. If you have never received an identity card or if the old one can no longer be found, then a birth or parentage certificate is also sufficient.
- This practical tip tells you what you need to consider for a biometric passport photo and how you can do it yourself to save money.
- When applying, you can decide whether you want to activate the eID functions. You can use it to verify yourself at online retailers, for example, but you need a paid device for this.
New ID card: duration and costs
- Costs: The extension or reissue of an identity card incurs EUR 28.80. For young adults under 24 years only 22.80 euros. These costs are to be paid to the responsible local citizens' office.
- Duration: It can take around three to six weeks for a new ID to be issued. You should therefore apply for a new one about four weeks before your ID expires. If you need an identity card immediately, you can apply for a provisional ID for an administration fee of 10 euros.
- Please also note that, especially in large cities such as Berlin, the available appointments can be heavily used. So you have to wait up to 3 months in Berlin regularly before you get an appointment.
- You can apply for the new ID card at your local registration office or at the citizens' office.
We will clarify in the next practical tip whether you can apply for your ID card online.