Overview

• As of May 2, 2025, German citizens can opt for home delivery of passports, ID cards, residence permits, and eID cards through Deutsche Post for a €15 fee.
• Municipal associations argue the high cost and mandatory personal receipt will limit adoption and fail to significantly reduce office workloads.
• Recipients must present valid identification at their registered address to receive documents, with no option for third-party collection.
• If delivery fails, documents are held at a post office for seven working days before being returned to the issuing authority.
• The service is part of broader reforms, including the May 1 introduction of mandatory digital biometric photos for ID applications.