Original Germany Passport

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for German citizens applying for a biometric passport. It covers every step of the process, from scheduling your appointment to understanding the validity of your new passport. Please review all requirements carefully to ensure a smooth and successful application. 1. The Application Process The application for a German passport must be submitted in person at the appropriate German mission. The process involves several key steps to verify your identity and collect the necessary biometric information. 1. Schedule an Appointment: You must book an appointment in advance. Please note that if you are applying for both a passport and a national ID card, you will need to schedule two separate appointments, one for each application. 2. Collect Your Documents: Gather all required documents in their original form, along with one complete set of copies. Incomplete applications will not be processed. 3. Submit in Person: The application must be submitted in person at the German mission. This is required for official identification and to capture your fingerprints for the biometric passport. 2. Required Documents Please prepare the following documents. You will need to present the original documents along with one set of copies. – Completed application form. – Two identical, recent biometric passport photos. – Your birth certificate, which must state the exact place of birth. – If applicable, your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or the death certificate of your spouse. – The data page of your previous passport. – Proof of your current name, such as a German birth certificate or German marriage certificate. – Proof of residence, such as a U.S. driver’s license or a recent utility bill. – If applicable, your German naturalization certificate. – If applicable, your U.S. naturalization certificate along with the “Beibehaltungsgenehmigung” (permission to retain German citizenship). – If your last passport includes a German place of residence, you must provide a deregistration certificate (Abmeldebescheinigung). For First-Time Applicants (citizenship by birth) If you are applying for your first passport and obtained German citizenship by birth to German parents abroad, you must also provide the following: – The current passports of both parents. – Your parents’ marriage certificate. – A valid U.S. residence title for the German parent (e.g., U.S. passport or Green Card). 3. Fees Passport fees are not fixed and can vary based on several factors. The final cost may depend on the applicant’s age, the number of pages in the passport (standard 32 pages vs. 48 pages for frequent travelers), and any optional services selected. Additional fees may apply for express processing or if you reside outside the consular district of the mission where you apply. 4. Processing Time German passports are printed at the Federal Printing Office in Berlin. The processing times are as follows: – Standard Processing: Approximately 6–8 weeks. – Express Processing: Approximately 3–4 weeks, available for an additional fee. 5. Passport Validity The validity period of a German passport is determined by the applicant’s age at the time of application. – Applicants under 24 years of age: The passport is valid for 6 years. – Applicants 24 years and older: The passport is valid for 10 years. Please be aware that biometric passports cannot be extended. Once your passport expires, you must submit a new application to obtain a new passport.