Wie Viel Kostet Der Personalausweis

Willkommen in Deutschland! Planning a trip, a temporary stay, or even considering making Germany your new home? One of the first questions that might pop into your head, especially if you're staying for an extended period, is whether you need an ID card – and of course, how much it will cost. While most tourists won't need a German ID card (Personalausweis) during a short visit, understanding the system is still helpful, especially for EU citizens, longer-term visitors, and expats.

Wer braucht einen Personalausweis in Deutschland?

Before diving into the costs, let’s clarify who actually needs a Personalausweis in Germany. Legally, every German citizen aged 16 and over is required to possess either a valid Personalausweis (ID card) or a valid passport. This requirement is primarily for identification purposes within Germany.

For tourists and short-term visitors: If you’re from a country within the Schengen area, you generally won't need to carry your passport or ID card on a daily basis. However, it's always advisable to have some form of identification with you, just in case. A copy of your passport is usually sufficient. If you're from outside the Schengen area, your passport is your primary form of identification, and you don't need a German Personalausweis.

For EU citizens: As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Germany. While you don’t *need* a German Personalausweis, it can be incredibly useful for everyday tasks like opening a bank account, registering for utilities, or signing up for a mobile phone contract. Your national ID card or passport from your home country is generally sufficient, but a German ID can simplify things significantly.

For non-EU citizens: If you are a non-EU citizen staying in Germany for an extended period (e.g., for work, study, or family reasons), you will typically be issued a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel). This permit often comes in the form of an electronic residence permit (elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel or eAT), which functions similarly to an ID card. You will not typically need a separate Personalausweis.

Wie viel kostet der Personalausweis? (How much does the ID card cost?)

Now for the crucial question: how much does a Personalausweis actually cost? The fees are standardized across Germany, but there are some nuances to be aware of.

Standard Personalausweis Fee

The standard fee for a Personalausweis for applicants 24 years of age and older is €37.00. This covers the application process and the production of the card.

Personalausweis for Younger Applicants (Under 24)

If you are under 24 years old, the fee is reduced to €22.80. This discount is intended to make the ID card more accessible to young people.

Additional Costs to Consider

While the above figures cover the basic cost of the ID card, there might be some additional expenses to keep in mind:

• Passport Photos: You'll need a recent biometric passport photo for your application. Photo booths at public places such as train stations usually cost around €6-€10. Professional photographers will likely charge between €15 and €30. Make sure the photo meets the specific requirements for a Personalausweis – ask the photographer, they are usually aware of those requirements.
• Temporary ID (Vorläufiger Personalausweis): If you urgently need identification while waiting for your Personalausweis to be processed, you can apply for a temporary ID (Vorläufiger Personalausweis). This costs €10.00. Keep in mind that a temporary ID is only valid for a limited time (usually three months) and is not accepted in all situations where a regular ID is required.
• Activating the Online ID Function (eID): The Personalausweis has an integrated online ID function (Online-Ausweisfunktion or eID), which allows you to securely identify yourself online. This function is usually activated when you receive your ID, but if you need to activate it later or change your PIN, this service is generally free.
• Blocking the Online ID Function: If your Personalausweis is lost or stolen, you should immediately block the online ID function to prevent misuse. This can usually be done via a hotline or online portal, and is typically free of charge.

Payment Methods

You can typically pay for your Personalausweis with cash or a debit card (EC-Karte) at the Bürgeramt (Citizen's Office). Credit cards are not always accepted, so it's best to check in advance.

Wo beantrage ich den Personalausweis? (Where do I apply for the ID card?)

You need to apply for your Personalausweis at the Bürgeramt (Citizen's Office) or Einwohnermeldeamt (Resident Registration Office) in the city or town where you are registered as a resident (gemeldet). If you are not registered, you cannot apply for a Personalausweis.

Finding the Right Office: To find the correct office, search online for "Bürgeramt [your city]" or "Einwohnermeldeamt [your city]". Most cities have websites with information on locations, opening hours, and appointment booking.

Making an Appointment: It’s highly recommended to make an appointment (Termin) in advance. Many Bürgerämter are very busy, and you may have to wait a long time if you just walk in. You can usually book an appointment online or by phone. When booking, specify that you need to apply for a Personalausweis.

Was brauche ich für den Antrag? (What do I need for the application?)

To apply for your Personalausweis, you will generally need the following documents:

• Application Form: You can usually download the application form from the website of your local Bürgeramt or pick it up at the office.
• Biometric Passport Photo: A recent biometric passport photo that meets the specified requirements.
• Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate (if applicable): This is usually only required if you are applying for your first Personalausweis or if your personal details have changed (e.g., due to marriage).
• Current Passport or ID Card: If you already have a passport or ID card, bring it with you.
• Residence Permit (if applicable): If you are a non-EU citizen, bring your residence permit.
• Proof of Address: A document confirming your registered address in Germany (e.g., a utility bill or a letter from your landlord). This is usually not required if you are already registered at the address.

Wie lange dauert die Bearbeitung? (How long does the processing take?)

The processing time for a Personalausweis is typically 2 to 6 weeks. The ID card is produced by the Bundesdruckerei (Federal Printing Office) in Berlin, so the Bürgeramt has to send your application there. You will receive a notification when your ID card is ready for collection.

Abholung des Personalausweises (Collecting the ID card)

Once you receive the notification, you can collect your Personalausweis from the Bürgeramt where you applied. You will need to bring your notification letter and your old ID card or passport (if applicable). You will also need to provide your fingerprint to activate the online ID function.

Important Considerations:

Loss or Theft: If your Personalausweis is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the police and the Bürgeramt. This will prevent misuse of your ID card. You will need to apply for a new Personalausweis.

Validity: The Personalausweis is valid for 10 years (for applicants 24 years of age and older) and 6 years (for applicants under 24 years of age). Make sure to renew your ID card before it expires.

While obtaining a Personalausweis might seem daunting at first, especially navigating the German bureaucracy, it's a straightforward process once you understand the requirements and costs. Whether you are an EU citizen planning a longer stay, or simply curious about the German identification system, this guide should provide you with all the necessary information. Viel Erfolg! (Good luck!)