Passport Photo Law 2026: New Rules for Biometric Passport Photos
The change in the law regarding passport photos introduces important new requirements for biometric passport photos in Germany. New regulations regarding the creation and submission of passport photos have been in effect since May 1, 2025. In this overview, you’ll learn what has specifically changed as a result of the passport photo law change and what you need to keep in mind now.
For identity cards, passports and other official documents, passport photos must now be sent digitally and securely to the relevant authority. Printouts or self-made photos are no longer permitted. You can find a complete overview of all requirements in our guide, “Passport Photo Requirements.”
Find out more here:
Where can I have a passport photo taken following the change in the law?
Since the switch to the digital process, passport photos can be taken at various locations, such as directly at a government office or at a participating photo studio. Many people choose to go to a photo studio because the biometric requirements are checked there and the photos are taken professionally.
Through alfo.passbild, you can find photographers throughout Germany who take digital passport photos and securely submit them to the appropriate authorities.
1 What has changed since May 1, 2025?
Since May 1, 2025, passport photos for official documents may no longer be submitted to the authorities in paper form.
Instead:
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The passport photo is created digitally
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The transmission is carried out directly by a registered body authorized for digital transmission
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The image is encrypted and transferred to a secure cloud
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The authority retrieves the photo digitally via QR code
A printout for personal use is no longer required for the application.
2. are self-made passport photos still allowed?
No.
Since the amendment to the law in 2025, self-created passport photos – for example with a smartphone or from online generators – are no longer permitted for ID cards or passports.
Printouts from photo apps or images created outside a registered transmission point are also not accepted.
The biometric passport photo must:
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comply with the legal requirements
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be created digitally
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transmitted directly and securely to the authority
3. are passport photos from photo booths still valid?
The decisive factor is not the location of the recording, but whether the provider is authorized to make the legally required digital transmission.
Only passport photos that are transmitted directly to the competent authority in digital and encrypted form are valid.
4 Why was the change in the law introduced?
The reform was introduced in order to:
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Prevent tampering with passport photos
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Make identity theft more difficult
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increase the security of official documents
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standardize the digital administration process
Direct digital transmission eliminates the previous media discontinuity between printout and electronic processing.
5 How does the digital e-passport photo procedure work?
Today, the process takes place in five steps:
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Creation of the biometric passport photo
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Checking the biometric requirements
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Encrypted transmission to a high-security cloud
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Handing out a QR code
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Digital retrieval by the authority
The photo is processed exclusively digitally.
You can find out more about the process here: How the digital passport photo works
6. What does the change in the law mean for consumers, specifically?
Since May 2025, biometric passport photos for official documents may no longer be taken by the applicant or submitted to the authorities in paper form. The photo will be taken directly at a registered office and transmitted digitally to the competent authority. For consumers, this means more security, fewer rejections and a smoother process when applying for a passport, ID card or residence permit.
For applicants, the change in the law means
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No more taking paper photos with you
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Digital, secure transmission
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Fewer rejections due to formal errors
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Greater security
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Faster processing in the office
Which documents are affected by the new regulation?
The legal change affects all official ID documents in Germany. This includes in particular
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Passport
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Identity card
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Residence permit
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Travel documents
For these documents, biometric passport photos must comply with the current legal requirements and be submitted digitally. More information on how to apply for a passport
What happens if a passport photo does not meet the requirements?
If a passport photo does not meet biometric requirements, it may be rejected by the authorities. This often leads to delays in the application process. With the digital e-passport photo process, photos are checked as soon as they are taken and transmitted securely. This significantly reduces the risk of rejection.
More information on rejected passport photos
Find a registered photographer near you now
If you need a biometric passport photo, you can use our photographer search to quickly and easily find a registered provider in your area. This will ensure that your passport photo meets the legal requirements and is sent directly to the authorities in digital form.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Change in the Law Regarding Passport Photos
How much does a digital passport photo cost following the change in the law?
The cost of a digital passport photo can vary depending on the photographer, photo studio, or government agency. The key requirement is that the passport photo is taken in accordance with current guidelines and can be provided in digital format.
How long is a digital passport photo valid for?
A digital passport photo is available to the authorities for a limited period of time. A digital passport photo taken by a professional photographer is valid for 6 months and can be used multiple times during that period. A passport photo taken directly at the government office is only available for 4 days and can only be used for a single identification document.
Can I use the same passport photo for both my passport and my ID card?
Yes, in general, a current biometric passport photo can be used for various identification documents as long as it meets legal requirements and is available to the authorities in digital form.
What happens to my passport photo after my appointment with the authorities?
The digital passport photos will be used exclusively for the intended application. They will be processed as part of the official procedure and are used for the issuance of the respective identification document.
Can I use my digital passport photo for multiple applications?
If the passport photo is submitted to the authorities by a photographer, it can be used multiple times over a period of 6 months.
Does the change in the law apply throughout Germany?
Yes. The regulation governing the digital submission of passport photos applies nationwide to the relevant passport and ID authorities in Germany.
What is the difference between a digital passport photo and a biometric passport photo?
A biometric passport photo primarily describes the requirements for the photo itself—such as facial expression, head position, and image quality. A digital passport photo additionally describes the digital process—that is, the secure submission of the photo to the authorities.
Do I still need printed passport photos after the law changed?
Digital passport photos are used when applying for many types of identification documents. A printed copy is generally no longer required for these applications.
Can I have my passport photo checked before my appointment with the authorities?
A professional photographer checks the passport photo for compliance with important requirements as soon as it is taken. This reduces the risk that the photo will be rejected by the authorities later on.
Where can I find a photographer for the new passport photo requirements?
Use the photographer search on alfo.passbild to find photographers in your area who take digital passport photos and securely submit them to the appropriate government agency.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Legislative Change
Why was the law regarding passport photos changed?
As of May 1, 2025, the digital and secure transmission of biometric passport photos to the relevant authority is mandatory. The goal of this legislative change is to prevent tampering and enhance the security of official documents.
Who will be authorized to take biometric passport photos starting in May 2025?
Starting in May 2025, biometric passport photos for identification documents must be taken by appropriately registered or authorized entities and submitted digitally. This includes professional photographers who participate in the digital submission process. Alternatively, the photo can be taken directly at the government office using a self-service terminal.
Can I take my own passport photo or upload one online?
As of May 2025, it will no longer be permitted to take passport photos on your own or submit them privately to government agencies. The passport photo will be taken digitally by a registered agency and securely transmitted to the government agency.
