ID Photos in Germany: Digital Only from May 1st
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Germany Updates Passport Photo Rules: Digital Submission Mandated
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Germany has implemented new regulations regarding passport photos, primarily accepting digital images starting may 1st. The move aims to enhance security and prevent fraudulent activities such as counterfeiting and manipulation.
Under the new procedure, individuals cannot simply email a self-taken photo to the citizen’s office. Instead, passport authorities will only accept digital photos taken directly at the office or submitted securely by a certified photo studio.
When a photo studio submits a digital image, they receive a QR code from the passport office. This code allows the authority to retrieve the image and verify that it meets biometric photo requirements.
combating “Morphing” and Enhancing Security
The updated guidelines are designed to mitigate the risk of counterfeiting and manipulations, particularly a technique known as “morphing.” Morphing involves merging multiple facial images into a single photo, perhaps allowing multiple individuals to use the same passport.
Timeline of the Decision
The legal framework for these changes was established in autumn 2020 with the passage of the “Law to strengthen security in the pass, ID and Documentation of foreign law” by the Bundestag and Bundesrat. While most requirements from this reform took effect on Dec. 12, 2020, and the mandate for storing two fingerprints on ID chips began Aug. 2, 2021, the electronic photo transmission regulation required a longer implementation period due to necessary organizational and technical preparations.
Options for Those Without Smartphones or Internet Access
Individuals without smartphones or internet access can have their photos taken at the passport authority for a fee of six euros. Alternatively, they can visit a photographer and obtain a QR code, which can then be presented at the authority.
In remarkable cases, paper photos will be accepted untill July 31. This applies to photos taken before May 1st for IDs requested later, or in cases where citizen’s offices lack the necessary technology.If a citizen’s office has the equipment, the six-euro fee should be waived if a valid biometric photo is presented.These transitional measures address technical delays in some citizen’s offices.
Capabilities of Photo Systems in Government Offices
The capabilities of the photo systems vary depending on the specific system used. The Federal Ministry of the Interior offers a system, but authorities can choose other manufacturers or opt out entirely.
These systems, available as table or stand models, are designed to take passport photos and record fingerprints and signatures for ID documents. They adjust to the subject’s height and create a short video from which an optimal image is automatically selected, facilitating easier recording for children and individuals with disabilities.
Device Availability and rollout
As of now, sufficient devices are not yet available everywhere. The Federal Ministry of the Interior plans to deploy 2,500 devices initially, with a total of 10,000 systems expected to be delivered by August.
Technical equipment delays have been reported in some citizen’s offices. As of mid-March, Berlin-Mitte was still awaiting delivery, while dessau-Roßlau in Saxony-Anhalt had already received five devices.
Financial Impact on Municipalities
Municipalities will not incur additional costs. The Pointid systems from Bundesdruckerei are provided free of charge, financed by the fees citizens pay for passport photo creation.
The number of devices allocated depends on application volume in each authority. While citizen’s offices must accept digital photos, they are not required to have their own devices. Some smaller municipalities may rely on local photo shops, according to reports.
Impact on Photographers
Photographers can continue taking passport photos, but must use a certified system that securely transmits images to a federal cloud. Customers receive a QR code for the passport authority, which verifies the image’s compliance with biometric standards. The drugstore chain DM also offers passport photo services in it’s branches.
Germany Updates Passport Photo Rules: Your questions Answered
Q: What’s new with passport photos in Germany?
A: Germany has updated its passport photo regulations, with a major shift towards digital image submission. Effective May 1st, 2024, digital photos are primarily accepted for passport applications. This change aims to improve security and combat fraud.
Q: Can I still submit a photo I took myself?
A: No, you can’t simply email a photo. The new procedure requires digital photos taken either at the passport office or submitted by a certified photo studio.
Q: How does a photo studio submit a digital photo?
A: When a certified photo studio submits your digital photo, they receive a QR code from the passport office. This code allows the authorities to access your image and confirm it meets biometric requirements.
Q: why are these changes happening? What’s the goal?
A: The primary goal is to enhance security and prevent fraudulent activities. The new rules are designed to fight counterfeiting and manipulation of passport photos.
Q: what kind of fraud are they trying to prevent?
A: A key concern is a technique called “morphing,” where multiple facial images are combined into a single photo. This could allow multiple individuals to misuse a single passport.
Q: When did these changes officially come into effect?
A: While the legal framework was established in autumn 2020, the electronic photo transmission regulation has a longer implementation.The official digital submission mandate began May 1st,2024.
Q: What if I don’t have a smartphone or internet access?
A: If you lack a smartphone or internet access, you have a couple of options:
You can get your photo taken at the passport authority for a fee of six euros.
You can go to a photographer and get a QR code that can be presented to the authorities.
Q: What about paper photos? are they still accepted?
A: In remarkable cases, paper photos will be accepted untill July 31st. This applies to:
Photos taken before May 1st for IDs requested later.
Cases where citizen’s offices lack the necessary technology.
If a citizen’s office has the equipment, the six-euro fee should be waived if a valid biometric photo is presented.
These temporary measures address potential technical delays.
Q: Where can I get my passport photo taken?
A: You can have your photo taken at:
Passport authorities (for a fee).
Certified photo studios (which provide a QR code).
Some drugstore chains and other businesses that offer passport pictures.
Q: Do all government offices have the equipment to take the pictures?
A: Not yet. The Federal Ministry of the Interior is rolling out new photo systems. initially, 2,500 devices are planned, with 10,000 expected by August.
Q: What are the capabilities of photo systems in government offices?
A: The systems vary.
They are available as table or stand models.
Designed to take passport photos, record fingerprints and signatures.
Adjust to the subject’s height.
create a short video for optimal image selection to facilitate recording for children and those with disabilities.
Q: Who pays for these new photo systems in the government offices?
A: Municipalities won’t incur additional costs. The “Pointid” systems are provided free of charge, financed by the fees citizens pay for photo creation.
Q: What about photographers? Can they still take passport photos?
A: Yes, photographers can still take passport photos. However, they must use acertified system* that securely transmits images to a federal cloud. Customers receive a QR code, allowing the authority to verify the image’s compliance with biometric standards.
Q: Are there any costs involved?
A: If you use a government office photo system or need a new photo,there is a fee (usually six euros). Municipalities are not charged any extra costs.