From May 1, 2025, new regulations for passport photos will come into force in Germany when applying for identity documents such as ID cards and passports. From this date, only digital passport photos will be accepted; printed photos on paper will no longer be permitted.

There are two ways to create a digital passport photo.

1. Photo studio: you can go to a certified photo studio that is authorized to take digital passport photos. The photographer takes the photo and then transmits it via a secure cloud procedure certified by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). You will receive a QR code from the photographer, which can be used to retrieve the photo from the Citizens' Registration Office. If you would like to have your passport photo taken in a photo studio, you should find out in advance whether the studio is connected to the digital transmission system.
2. Citizens' offices and local administrations: It is not yet known when Bundesdruckerei will deliver the new generation of photo booths ordered. The self-service terminals currently available will no longer be technically usable from May 1, 2025.

As of May 1, it will not be possible to take photos on site!

Passport photos for ID document applications can therefore only be taken at certified photo studios from May 1, 2025 until further notice. This applies to appointments at the citizens' office as well as at the local administrations!

When making an appointment, please remember to have your passport photos taken in advance by certified photo studios and bring the QR code with you to the appointment.

We are working hard on an alternative solution. As soon as photo booths are available on site again, we will inform you here.

This switch to digital passport photos serves to increase security and is intended to prevent manipulation, such as that made possible by so-called morphing techniques.

Please note that printed photos on paper will no longer be permitted from May 2025.