Digital-Only Passport Photos: New Regulations Coming in May

Starting in May 2025, significant changes will be implemented in Germany regarding the issuance of identity cards and passports. One of the most crucial updates pertains to how passport photos are taken and submitted to the relevant authorities. Under the new regulations, passport photos must be created digitally and sent directly to the government offices. Photographers will need to obtain a specific certification to comply with these new requirements.

The German Ministry of the Interior has clarified that this new rule applies to passport photos for various documents, including passports, identity cards, electronic residence permits, and travel documents for foreigners.

Individuals can have their photos taken for a fee of six euros at automated kiosks located in municipal offices or by certified photographers. According to reports from the cloud service provider Ringfoto, over 3,200 photography service providers have already registered to offer this service nationwide. The digital images will be securely transmitted to a cloud storage solution, allowing authorities to access them using a Data-Matrix code provided to the applicant. This process aims to enhance security measures and prevent identity theft.

Additionally, from May onwards, citizens will have the option to receive their identity documents by mail upon request. Furthermore, individuals can provide an email address to receive notifications prior to the expiry of their documents. This initiative is designed to facilitate timely renewal applications, ensuring continuous validity of identification papers.

In light of these extensive changes, the Ministry of the Interior has established a transitional period that permits municipalities to accept traditional paper photos in exceptional cases until July 31, 2025. Therefore, if an individual unwittingly has a paper photo taken in April for a May application, they will not incur additional costs. Authorities will either accept the paper photo or, if they have the necessary technology, will offer to take a digital photo on-site while waiving the photo fee.

Moreover, the process of updating addresses on identification documents will also become more straightforward. Previously, this required an official stamp; however, starting in May, it will be replaced by digital change stickers. These stickers will include a 2D barcode as a digital seal, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the data. After moving, the holder of the passport can independently affix the sticker within their document. This modification aims to simplify the update process for both citizens and authorities while making counterfeiting more difficult.

It is important to note that children aged six and older have been required to provide fingerprints when applying for identity cards or passports since January 2024. Biometric passports for children have also become mandatory, leading to the discontinuation of non-chip children's passports without fingerprints.