From May 2025: Digital passport photos will revolutionize ID card applications!

From May 2025: Digital passport photos will revolutionize ID card applications!

From May 1, 2025, extensive changes will come into force when applying for identification documents. According to information from Bach Danube Paper-based passport photos are then no longer permitted. Municipalities are only allowed to use digital passport photos that are either sent from photo studios via secure transmission channels or created directly in authorities.

A central component of this innovation is the Bundesdruckerei's “PointID recording system”, which is to be used in citizens' offices. This recording system enables the precise capture of biometric photographs, fingerprints and signatures. With the new technology, the data is recorded directly in the citizens' office, increasing security as manipulation before submission is ruled out. The cost of taking the photo is 6.00 euros, which can be paid together with the fees for the passport or ID card, such as Bundesdruckerei reported.

Technical implementation and safety standards

Digital image transmission is regulated by a cloud-based solution in accordance with the Technical Guideline TR-03170 of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). This means that photo service providers must transmit their photos to the authorities via a certified cloud from the deadline. The requirements for this process are clearly defined and include both the capture and secure transmission of the photographs. These technical standards are intended to ensure that the quality and security of the identification documents are increased, which was also stipulated in the law to strengthen security in passport, ID and immigration law documents of December 11, 2020, as the BSI states.

From May 1, 2025, photographs must be created digitally and transmitted securely to the authorities. Until then, the current process will remain in place, but strict certification requirements will apply to the change. Loud BSI Service providers taking photographs must ensure that they adhere to the requirements of TR-03170 and can provide evidence of their offers.

Transitional arrangements and future developments

However, there is a transitional regulation for citizens that initially applies until July 31, 2025. In exceptional cases, paper photographs may still be accepted. This allows citizens to gradually adapt familiar processes while at the same time equipping authorities with the new technology. The full rollout of PointID® will occur during 2025.

Overall, these measures aim to significantly improve security standards and efficiency in the production of ID cards and passports, which promises long-term benefits for citizens and the administration.