Applying for a temporary identity card

If you need an ID card immediately and cannot wait for it to be produced (usually takes 4 weeks) by the Bundesdruckerei, you have the option of having a provisional ID card issued. You can use the temporary ID card, for example, to bridge the time until a regular ID card is issued.

As a rule, this will be the case if the ID card is lost (must be reported immediately) or if the application is submitted late.

You can prove the loss by submitting a notice of loss.
At the same time as applying for a temporary ID card, you must also apply for a new ID card to be issued.

Your temporary ID card is valid for a maximum of 3 months.

You must return the old provisional or regular ID card when you are issued with the new provisional ID card.

You must apply for a temporary ID card in person, only a representative (issue a power of attorney!) can collect it.

You must apply for a temporary ID card in person at the Citizens' Registration Office. If you do not apply for your temporary ID card at your main place of residence, you will need an important reason and a surcharge will be added to the fee. If you contact your chosen Citizens' Registration Office in advance, you can find out whether and to what extent the Citizens' Registration Office will accept your reason.
You can apply for the provisional and the new regular ID card at the same time.
The authority will issue the provisional ID card directly on the spot.

Please contact the citizens' office of your city, municipality or administrative community.

You can apply for a temporary identity card if

• you have German citizenship,
• are registered in Germany
• do not have a valid identity card

For applications outside your main place of residence:

• You must be able to present an important reason why you are not applying for the temporary ID card at the citizens' office at your main place of residence.
• Exception: The temporary ID card cannot be applied for abroad.

• biometric passport photo (Federal Printing Office photo sample board): The photo must
  • be up-to-date and
  • meet the requirements for photos for electronic ID cards.
• If available and not yet validated: old identity card or passport or temporary identity card or children's passport (valid or already expired)
• If no valid passport or identity card is available: Birth certificate, marriage certificate
• for children under the age of 16: if applicable, a declaration of consent from the parent with custody who is not present
  • if there is only one parent or legal guardian, additional proof of custody
• in case of loss: submission of a notice of loss

Current civil status certificate, depending on marital status, a certificate of parentage/birth or marriage certificate and, if applicable, proof of name change.

• EUR 10.00
• EUR 13.00 surcharge for applications submitted outside office hours or not at the main place of residence

You will receive your temporary ID card immediately.

The obligation to apply for a temporary identity card applies to you if you

• have German citizenship,
• have reached the age of 16,
• are registered in Germany and
• do not have a valid identity card or passport.

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Thuringian Ministry of the Interior and Municipal Affairs

15.10.2021