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Guides · Austria

National ID card renewal in Austria

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Landespolizeidirektion (State Police Directorate) / Magistrat (Municipal Authority).

Renewing an Austrian national identity card (Personalausweis) involves submitting an application in person at a local registration office or municipal authority. The process requires biometric data collection and the presentation of current identification documents.

Your timing

It is recommended to initiate the renewal process several weeks before the current card expires. This accounts for potential wait times for appointments at municipal offices and the standard production and mailing time for the new card.

Start 21 days ahead

While processing is generally efficient, postal delivery and administrative volume can cause fluctuations in the time required to receive the document.

The process

  1. 1Locate the nearest local registration office (Passbehörde), typically a municipal office or a police authority.
  2. 2Schedule an appointment if required by the specific local authority.
  3. 3Attend the appointment in person to provide biometric data, specifically a facial image and fingerprints.
  4. 4Submit the required documentation and pay the applicable fee.
  5. 5Collect the new identity card in person or arrange for it to be sent via registered mail.

What to bring

  • Current national identity card
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of citizenship (Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis)
  • A passport-style photograph that meets current biometric requirements
  • Marriage certificate or proof of academic titles, if applicable for name changes

Who handles it

Landespolizeidirektion (State Police Directorate) / Magistrat (Municipal Authority)

https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/

The current fee is set by government regulation and typically varies based on the age of the applicant; applicants should confirm the exact amount with their local authority.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Photographs must strictly adhere to the ICAO biometric standards, or they will be rejected.
  • Fingerprints are mandatory for all applicants above a certain age; check local regulations regarding age thresholds.
  • Name changes must be officially registered in the national civil status database before the application can proceed.

Sources

This guide is based on one official source.

Other documents in Austria

National ID card renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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