German Passport Renewal Requirements

To renew a German passport, you are required to apply in person at the German foreign mission that corresponds to your area or at one of their honorary consuls’ offices. Please be aware that it is necessary to schedule an appointment. Eligibility You are eligible to apply for a passport if you hold German citizenship. Should your last German passport have expired over 15 years ago, your application will be processed as a first-time application. Required Documents You must submit the following documents in person. All documents should be original and accompanied by one copy: Completed and signed application form. One biometric passport photograph with good contrast. Your last German passport. If it has been lost or stolen, please include a police report. German or Canadian birth certificate. If you were naturalized in Canada prior to June 27, 2024, you must provide the original certificate along with the German retention permit. For those naturalized on or after June 27, 2024, the original certificate must be submitted. If you are residing in Canada as a foreign national, you need to present a valid Canadian permanent resident card or visa, or a search of citizenship records issued within the last three months. If applicable, include your marriage certificate. If your name has changed since birth, you must provide a certificate of name issued by a German civil registry. If the address listed in your last passport remains a German residence, you are required to provide proof of deregistration (“Abmeldebescheinigung”). Fees (refer to passport fees). A prepaid Xpresspost envelope of standard size. A signed notice regarding the use of mail services. Validity For individuals under 24 years of age, the passport will be valid for six years. For those aged 24 years or older, it will be valid for ten years. Processing Time The estimated processing time for passports is around 10-12 weeks. If you apply at an honorary consul’s office, in Montreal, or at the embassy in Ottawa, the processing may take approximately two weeks longer. For an additional fee, you have the option to apply for an express passport, which will take up to four weeks.