Passport renewal in Germany
Renewing a German passport involves applying at a Bürgeramt in Germany or at a German mission abroad, providing necessary documents, and attending an appointment for biometric data capture. The new passport is then produced and dispatched.
It is generally advisable to start the passport renewal process at least 6-12 weeks before a current passport expires, especially if international travel is anticipated. This allows sufficient time for appointment scheduling, application processing, and passport production and delivery, which can vary depending on location and demand.
Start 42 days ahead
This lead time accounts for standard processing and delivery times. Express options may be available for an additional fee, potentially reducing the wait. Appointment availability can also influence the overall timeline.
The process
- 1Identify the responsible authority: In Germany, this is typically a local Bürgeramt. Abroad, it is the competent German embassy or consulate.
- 2Schedule an appointment: Most authorities require an appointment for passport applications. Check the website of the relevant Bürgeramt or German mission for their booking system.
- 3Gather required documents: Compile all necessary documents such as the current passport, birth certificate, proof of address, and passport photos meeting biometric standards.
- 4Attend the appointment: Submit the application in person, provide biometric data (fingerprints, signature), and pay the applicable fee.
- 5Await passport production: The application is forwarded to the Bundesdruckerei in Berlin for production. This usually takes a few weeks.
- 6Collect the new passport: Once produced, the passport can typically be collected in person, or in some cases, mailed if pre-arranged.
What to bring
- Currently valid or expired German passport/identity card (if available)
- Birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde)
- Marriage certificate, if applicable (e.g., if name changed due to marriage)
- Proof of deregistration from Germany (Abmeldebescheinigung) if the last registered residence was in Germany and you now live abroad
- Current biometric passport photo (size 35 x 45 mm, specific requirements apply)
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill, registration certificate)
- Proof of German citizenship if not evident from previous documents (e.g., naturalization certificate)
- Consent forms from parents if applying for a minor
Who handles it
German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt), local Bürgerämter in Germany, German Embassies and Consulates abroad.
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/
The fee for a standard German passport (32 pages, valid for 10 years for adults) is approximately 60-70 EUR when applied for in Germany. For applicants abroad, the fee is generally higher, and an additional foreign office surcharge may apply. Fees for express passports, 48-page passports, or passports for minors also vary. The exact fee should be confirmed with the applying authority at the time of application.
What commonly goes wrong
- Biometric photo requirements are strict; ensure the photo meets all specifications to avoid rejection.
- Appointment availability can vary, especially at popular locations or during peak travel seasons, so booking well in advance is recommended.
- For first-time applications or in cases with complex name changes or citizenship questions, additional documents or processing times might be required.
- Fees for applications made abroad are typically higher than those made within Germany due to additional surcharges.
Sources
Other documents in Germany
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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