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Germany To Grant Permanent ID Cards for Over-70s, Email Reminders Begin

A late-2026 legal change is planned, with opt-in email alerts already live to reduce lapses.

Overview

  • Federal and state leaders agreed to make national ID cards for citizens aged 70 and over valid without an expiry date.
  • The government targets an end-2026 law amendment, and implementation details such as how cards will indicate no expiry are still being worked out.
  • Applicants can now add an email address when requesting an ID card or passport to receive advance reminders before documents expire.
  • Digital conveniences are being rolled out, including use of the AusweisApp for online identification and the removal of a paper-photo requirement.
  • Expired IDs can lead to penalties that vary by municipality, with reports ranging from small fees to four-figure fines in individual cases.