If you want to apply for a passport, you should be well prepared for your appointment at the municipal office. The most important things are having the right documents, allowing enough time before your trip, and providing a recent biometric passport photo. Since 2025, the digital passport photo process has also played a key role.
On this page, you’ll find out where to apply for your passport, what documents you need, how much it costs, and what to keep in mind when taking your passport photo.
Where can I apply for a passport?
You can usually apply for a passport at the municipal office or citizen service center in the area where you have your primary residence. Many cities and towns offer online appointment booking for this purpose. Since available slots can fill up quickly depending on the location, you should make an appointment well in advance.
In certain cases, you may be able to apply at a different passport office. You can find out whether this applies to you by contacting the relevant city or municipality directly.
What documents do I need to apply for a passport?
The specific documents required may vary slightly depending on the agency. As a general rule, you should have the following documents ready when applying for a passport:
- valid ID card or previous passport
- a recent biometric passport photo
- Birth certificate or civil registry document, if required by the authorities
- For children: consent of the legal guardians
- In the event of a name change: appropriate documentation
Before your appointment, be sure to check your city or municipality’s website for additional information. There you will find the specific guidelines issued by your local authority.
How much does a passport cost?
Passport fees depend on the applicant’s age. For individuals 24 years of age and older, a passport currently costs 70.00 euros and is valid for ten years. For individuals under 24 years of age, a passport currently costs 37.50 euros and is valid for six years.
Additional costs may apply if you need an express passport, a passport with more pages, or a passport issued outside your primary place of residence. Please contact your local authorities for the exact fees.
How long does it take to apply for a passport?
The application itself is submitted during your appointment at the municipal office. It usually takes several weeks for the passport to be issued. It may take longer just before vacation periods or when demand is high.
Therefore, be sure to allow plenty of time, especially if you need the passport for a specific trip. If you are in a real hurry, an express passport or a temporary passport may be an option under certain circumstances.
What kind of passport photo do I need for my passport?
To apply for a passport, you will need a recent biometric passport photo. The photo must meet certain requirements in order to be accepted by the authorities. These requirements include, among other things, a frontal view, a neutral facial expression, even lighting, and an appropriate background.
You can find all the important details on our page about passport photo requirements. You can also find specific information about passport photos on our page titled “Passport Photos.”
Digital passport photos starting in 2025: What has changed?
As of May 1, 2025, passport photos for identification documents will be created digitally and transmitted securely. The traditional printed passport photo will no longer be required when applying for a passport or ID card.
This means that the passport photo is taken either directly at the government office or at a participating photo service provider. The government office can then access the photo digitally.
You can learn more about the new procedure on our page about digital passport photos and the changes to the law regarding passport photos.
Can I have my passport photo taken right at the municipal office?
Many government agencies now offer the option of having your passport photo taken on-site. This can be convenient if you want to get everything done in a single visit.
Alternatively, you can have your biometric passport photo taken in advance by a professional photographer. This is particularly advisable if you value professional image quality, personalized service, and a relaxed shooting environment.
Have a passport photo taken by a professional photographer
A professional photographer pays attention to lighting, background, head position, facial expression, and biometric requirements. This reduces the risk of your passport photo being rejected at the appointment.
A professional photo studio may be the better choice, especially for children, people who wear glasses, those with sensitive skin, those who feel self-conscious in front of the camera, or those who have had bad experiences with previous passport photos.
With alfo.passbild, you can quickly find a photographer near you who takes professional biometric passport photos.
Do children need a passport?
Children also need a valid form of identification for many trips. Depending on the destination, a passport or an ID card may be required. The specific documents required depend on the destination and current entry regulations. Passport photo requirements also apply to children, although certain exceptions may apply depending on their age.
For more information, please visit our page on passport photos for babies and children.
What should you do if you lose your passport?
If a passport is lost or stolen, this should be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities. A temporary passport may be issued for travel purposes if necessary.
When do I need a temporary passport?
If a regular passport cannot be issued in time, a temporary passport may be requested in certain cases. The competent authority will determine whether this is possible.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Applying for a Passport
A passport application may be delayed if documents are missing or the passport photo is not accepted. Therefore, before your appointment, check whether your ID is still valid, what documents your local authority requires, and whether your passport photo meets the current requirements.
Common issues with passport photos include incorrect head positioning, shadows, an unsuitable background, reflections on glasses, or a facial expression that isn’t neutral. You can find more information on our page about common mistakes in biometric passport photos and on the page “Passport photo rejected – what to do?”.
Applying for a passport: Checklist for your appointment
- Schedule an appointment at the Department of Citizen Services
- Have a valid ID or old passport ready
- Have a current biometric passport photo taken
- Review the documents provided by the competent authority
- Plan for fees
- Allow plenty of time before your trip
Bottom line: Apply for your passport in plenty of time and have your passport photo ready
If you wish to apply for a passport, you should make an appointment well in advance and have all the necessary documents ready. It is particularly important to have a recent biometric passport photo that meets the requirements and can be used digitally.
With a professionally taken passport photo, you can avoid unnecessary delays and arrive well-prepared for your appointment at the municipal office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for a Passport
Where do I apply for a passport?
You can usually apply for a passport at the municipal office or citizen service center in the area where you have your primary residence. Many government agencies offer online appointment scheduling for this purpose.
What documents do I need to apply for a passport?
In most cases, you will need a valid ID card or old passport, as well as a recent biometric passport photo. Depending on the agency, additional documentation may be required.
How much will a passport cost in 2026?
For individuals aged 24 and older, a passport currently costs 70 euros. For individuals under 24, the fee is 37.50 euros. Additional costs may apply, for example, for an express passport, a passport with more pages, or an application submitted outside your primary residence. You can find out the current fees from your local passport office.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Once you’ve applied, it usually takes several weeks to receive your passport. Processing times may be longer before holiday seasons or during periods of high demand. If you need to travel on short notice, an express passport may be a good option.
Can I apply for a passport online?
Currently, it is generally not possible to complete the entire passport application process online, as your identity must be verified. However, many cities and municipalities offer online appointment scheduling for the municipal office. Please check the website of your local authority for more information.
Do I need a biometric passport photo?
Yes. A recent biometric passport photo is required when applying for a passport. Starting in May 2025, passport photos for identification documents will be submitted digitally. For more information, please visit our page on digital passport photos and passport photo requirements.
Can I have my passport photo taken right there at the office?
Many government agencies offer on-site photo services. Alternatively, you can have your digital passport photo taken at a participating photo studio.
Can I have my passport photo taken at a photo studio?
Yes. You can use alfo.passbild to find participating photographers who professionally take biometric passport photos. To do so, use our ” Find a Photographer Near You” page.
How long is a passport valid?
For individuals 24 years of age or older, a passport is valid for ten years. For individuals under 24, the validity period is six years. Renewal is not possible. Once the passport expires, a new one must be applied for.
Can I apply for a passport through the expedited process?
Yes, many government agencies offer an express passport. This option is more expensive than the standard passport. You can find out if this is an option for you by contacting your local government agency.
What happens if my passport photo is rejected?
If your passport photo does not meet the requirements, the authorities may ask you to submit a new one. For more information, please visit our page on rejected passport photos.
What should I do if I lose my passport?
If your passport is lost or stolen, you should report the loss immediately to the police and your local passport office. You will then need a new travel document to travel. Find out well in advance what documents are required and make sure you have a recent passport photo on hand.
