Starting May, passport images will transition to digital format exclusively
Going Digital: The New Era of Passport Photos in Germany
Starting May 1, 2025, a significant change in the German legal landscape means that citizen service centers and immigration offices will no longer accept paper photos for identification documents. Instead, passport photos must be provided digitally via a secure cloud [1][4].
This shift doesn't just impact the government offices, but also photographers. To work within this new system, photographers are required to register with certified providers to use this new technology [1]. Currently, the number of registered photo studios is limited, so bottlenecks may occur initially [1]. To help address this issue, city halls and migration offices are introducing self-service terminals – special photo booths with on-site digital transmission capabilities [1]. These devices are already operational at BSC Stresemannstraße and BSC Bremen-Nord [1].
Ulrich Maurer, the Interior Senator, anticipates high demand and resulting waiting times during the initial phase. He suggests that having passport photos transmitted directly by a photo studio to the authority can expedite the process [1]. For photographers hoping to offer passport photos for official documents, it's essential to register in a timely manner [1]. More information on certification and the new requirements can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Information Security at www.bsi.bund.de [1].
Becoming a Certified Digital Passport Photographer
To offer digital passport and ID photos under the new rules, photographers need to follow a series of steps [1]:
- State Recognition
- Submit an application to become a state-recognized photographer, ensuring your business meets all relevant data protection and security standards [1].
- Acquire the necessary equipment that meets the technical standards set by the German government for biometric passport photos and digital transmission [1].
- Join the List of Certified Providers
- Apply to be listed as an authorized provider on the official portal (personalausweisportal.de) [1].
- Undergo inspections to ensure compliance with security and data protection regulations [1].
- QR Code System
- After taking a compliant photo, provide the applicant with a QR code for secure digital photo transmission to the passport or ID application authorities [1][4].
- Ensure your systems protect applicants’ biometric data according to GDPR and other German regulations [1].
- Public Listing and Pricing
- Once certified, your studio or business will be listed on the official list of authorized providers, available for the public to consult [1].
- Set transparent prices for digital passport photos [1].
| Step | Description ||--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|| Registration/Certification | Apply to become a state-authorized photographer || Equipment Compliance | Use certified equipment for biometric photos || List on Official Portal | Submit to be listed as an authorized provider || QR Code Provision | Provide applicants with a QR code for digital photo submission || Data Security | Ensure compliance with data protection laws |
Key Resources- Official Information: personalausweisportal.de provides the latest requirements and a list of certified providers [1].- Contact Local Authorities: Connect with your local passport or ID office for regional-specific guidance and support [3].
Note: The new rules don't impact driving license photos, which can still be submitted in the traditional manner [4].
Technology plays a crucial role in this transition as photographers are required to register with certified providers to use the new digital technology for transmitting passport photos [1]. To expedite the process, photographers must comply with data protection and security standards, acquire certified equipment, and adhere to the QR code system for secure digital photo transmission [1, 4].
