Due to a change in the law, paper photos are no longer permitted for applications for official identity documents (ID cards, passports, residence permits or similar) as of May 1, 2025; only digitally created passport photos may be used for this purpose.
For a few days now, the Idar-Oberstein city administration has also been able to take photos directly in the citizens' office. An ID terminal with an intuitive user interface creates the biometric photos, which are transferred to the application process by the employees without any media discontinuity. The menu navigation is also available in different languages. The fee is 6 euros per document.
There is also the option of having the biometric passport photo taken digitally in the photo studio and sent to the Citizens' Registration Office via secure electronic connections. The photo can then be retrieved there and used for the application. It should be noted that not all photo studios have the necessary technical equipment. You should therefore find out in advance whether this service is offered.
- To apply for ID documents at the Citizens' Office, it is necessary to make an appointment in advance. Either online via the appointment calendar on the municipal homepage www.idar-oberstein.de or by telephone on 06781/64-3800.