Overview

• From May 1, 2025, citizens applying for passports or ID cards must provide digital photographs, either captured at Bürgerämter or uploaded by certified photo studios.
• Approximately 3,000 Bürgerämter, representing half of Germany's offices, are equipped to implement the system, with remaining offices expected to receive devices by August.
• A transitional period allows paper photos to be used until July 31 due to delays in equipment delivery by the Bundesdruckerei.
• The digital system, designed to prevent forgery, charges €6 per photo and offers a €15 postal delivery option for completed documents.
• Local photo studios express fears of financial losses as in-office photo terminals may replace their core business of biometric passport photo services.