Hamburg.deHamburg ServiceApply for a temporary identity cardCity Resident Affairs

City Resident Affairs

Apply for a temporary identity card

If you need an identity card quickly, you can apply for a temporary identity card.

  •  

Use Online-Service

Detailed description

When you apply for an identity card, it usually takes several weeks to receive it. If you need an identity card more quickly, you can apply for a temporary identity card. The temporary identity card will be issued to you immediately after your application has been processed.

Since May 1, 2025, there are new regulations regarding the required photo (passport photo):
From this date, you will no longer be permitted to submit paper-based photos. Instead, you will need an electronic photo. The photo must be provided digitally and transmitted to the relevant office via a secure cloud service. You can bring the QR code provided by a photographer. Alternatively, you can take the photo on-site. Further information can be found in the "Links" section.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You have German citizenship.
  • You are personally present when submitting the application.

If you are under 16 years of age:

  • A parent or legal guardian will submit the application together with you. If you have shared custody, the parent or legal guardian with whom you primarily reside must be present.

For applications outside your main residence:

  • You provide an important reason why you do not apply for an identity card at the authority responsible for your main residence.
  • The competent authority at your primary residence approves. Approval is obtained from the authority to which you intend to submit the application.

Documents required

  • Proof of identity, for example
    • old identity card
    • valid passport or child's passport
    • birth certificate if applicable
  • all necessary documents and evidence if there has been a change in the personal data, for example
    • Birth, marriage, marriage certificate
    • Declaration on the use of names
  • current biometric passport photo in electronic form
    • You may no longer submit paper-based photos as of May 1, 2025.
    • The photo must be provided digitally and transmitted to the responsible office via a secure cloud service. You can bring the QR code provided by a photographer for this purpose. Alternatively, you can take the photo on-site. A photo booth (speed capture terminal) is available. The fee for an on-site photo is €6.00. You will not receive a printout. Please note that the photo booth is not suitable for taking passport photos of infants and small children.
  • for children under 16 years of age: proof of custody in the case of sole custody
  • Consent form and identity card of all absent legal guardians in case of shared custody
  • after naturalization: passport or ID card of the country of birth or identity card, naturalization certificate

Please note

The identification requirement applies to you if you

  • have German citizenship
  • have reached the age of 16
  • are registered in Germany
  • do not have a valid passport

Since the temporary identity card is only valid for a short period of time, you may need to apply for a regular identity card or passport at the same time in order to fulfill your identification requirements.
People without a permanent residence or homeless people in Hamburg should contact the Hamburg Service location in Hamburg-Mitte.

Deadlines

The validity period is a maximum of 3 months.

Procedure

  • You can make an appointment online or by calling 115.
  • If you do not want to apply for a temporary identity card at the place of your primary residence, find out whether your reason for doing so will be accepted.
  • You will appear in person at the appointment - if necessary together with all other relevant persons - and apply for the provisional identity card by submitting the necessary documents.
  • You pay the fee.
  • The temporary identity card will be issued to you immediately after processing on site.

Processing time

You will receive the provisional identity card immediately.

Fees

10.00 EUR


Surcharge for applications not submitted at the main residence: EUR 13.00

Payment methods available

  • Girocard
  • Classic credit card

Payment information

no cash payment

Legal remedies

No

Legal basis

Identity Card Act (PAuswG)

www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pauswg/BJNR134610009.html

Address and contact information

City Resident Affairs

Regardless of where you live in Hamburg, you can use this service at any Hamburg Service location for resident matters.

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, visits are only possible by appointment. You can book an appointment online (https://www.hamburg.de/go/17584) or by phone at 040 115.

If you would like to apply for an identity card, passport or children's passport, you can use an existing self-recording terminal (Speed Capture Terminal) to capture the necessary biometric data (digital photo, signature, fingerprints).
Please allow a few minutes more time before your appointment to collect your data.
Note: You will not receive a printout of the digital photo.
There is no need to bring a passport photo with you when using the self-registration terminal.
Use costs 6 euros.
Please speak to the clerk afterwards.
Danger!
The existing self-recording terminal (Speed Capture Terminal) cannot be used for fishing licenses and driver's license applications. Please bring a passport photo (biometric) with you for these services.

Haven't found the right one yet?

To Hamburg Service startpage

Keywords: Provisional identity card Identity card ID card Issue ID Apply for ID Application electronic identity card Identity document Proof of identity Photo ID New PA new identity card PA Perso Apply for identity card Personal document BPA provisional pers temporary ID in the interim provisionally

Last updated: 21.06.2025