Personalausweis Ausstellung

The new identity card can be applied for since 1.11.2010. The previous ID card can be used until the expiry of its individually determined validity.

• Identity cards are compulsory from the age of 16.
  At the request of the parents, an ID card can be issued for persons who have not yet reached the age of 16 (e.g. for infants).
• From the age of 16, no parental authorization is required for the application.
• Children under the age of 16
  - will only receive the ePA with the electronic proof of identity switched off.
  - require a special declaration of consent from the parent or legal guardian stating whether the ID card may be handed over to the child after completion . Children from the age of 10 must sign themselves.
• 2 digital fingerprints are stored for children aged 6 and over.
• A third person can be authorized to collect the card. In any case, this person (also the legal guardian) requires a special authorization to collect. The form provided under "Forms" should be used for this purpose.
• The passport photo should not be older than 3 months.

Basic functions (always)

• Official identity document
• electronic proof of identity
• electronic signature

Additional function

• two digital fingerprints

Notes:

• Changing the address using address labels when moving house is free of charge. It is not necessary to make an appointment for this.
• You can use your ID card to prove your identity on the Internet. You will need a six-digit PIN to activate the online ID card. If you do not know this PIN, you can have a new PIN set or activated free of charge at the Citizens' Office. It is not necessary to make an appointment for this. The former so-called "PIN reset letter" will no longer be sent out from 29.12.2023.

• Proof of identity

  e.g. old or invalid identity card, valid (child) passport or birth certificate in the case of infants or young children who do not yet have a (child) passport or identity card.

• 1 biometric passport photo (not older than 6 months)
  • according to the photo sample board
• in case of name changes, e.g. due to marriage:

  Possible extract from the family book

• Proof of custody

  with a single guardian

• For children under 16 years of age:

  Special declaration of consent (explicitly related to the issuing of the identity card) of the person with custody, as well as their identity cards (also copies) and, if applicable, proof of custody.

• German citizenship
• When moving to Bremerhaven, a marriage/birth certificate must always be presented if no ID document was previously issued in Bremerhaven. Without verification, no data will be taken over from the old ID document. Documents can also be presented as copies.

Important: This is a service under municipal responsibility. Therefore, you can only visit a service center that is located in your place of residence.

• The ID card can only be applied for in person, as the handwritten signature must be provided at the time of application.
• Upon receipt of the pin letter from Bundesdruckerei, you will be informed about the completion of the ID card.
  Note: No pin letter will be sent by Bundesdruckerei for children younger than 15 years and 9 months at the time of application for the ID card.
• A representative can be appointed to collect the ID card. To do so, the authorized representative must be able to identify himself/herself and bring a special power of attorney (see above right under "Forms") as well as the identity card or passport of the person granting the power of attorney.
• In principle, requested ID cards can only be picked up at the Bürgerbüro Mitte.

Period of validity of the identity card

• for persons under 24 years: 6 years
• for persons 24 years and older: 10 years

For more information, call (0471) 590-3470/-3480.