In short
Since 1 May 2025 photos for German ID cards, passports and electronic residence permits must reach the authority digitally: either from a registered photographer or shop through a secured cloud service, or taken on the authority’s own terminal for €6.00. Printed photos are no longer accepted. FotoKlar is not a registered provider and cannot be used for these documents.
Last updated: · FotoKlar editorial team
How does the digital passport photo work?
The photo never travels on paper: it goes from the camera to the authority through a secured digital channel.
- At a registered photographer or shop: you get a code (often a Data Matrix code) that the authority uses to fetch the photo
- At the authority: a photo terminal takes the photo directly before your appointment
- Paper photos for ID card, passport and residence permit are no longer accepted
What does it cost?
At the authority €6.00 nationwide if it uses the Federal Printing Office terminals; photographers and shops set their own prices.
A comparison of all options is on passport photo cost.
Photos for small children
Many terminals are not suitable for small children (up to about 4 years according to Stuttgart); cities such as Wiesbaden recommend a certified photo studio for children under 6.
Which documents are not affected?
The digital rule only covers ID card, passport and electronic residence permit. Other documents still accept a photo you bring yourself.
For these documents FotoKlar creates the photo – see making your own passport photo.
- Driving licence: printed biometric photo
- Health insurance card: upload to your insurer
- Visas: depends on the country
- Disability ID card: depends on the office
Sources
- City of Stuttgart: digital-only photos for ID documents from 1 May – checked 21/10/2026
- City of Stuttgart: digital photo for ID cards and passports – checked 21/10/2026
- City of Nuremberg: photo stations in the citizens’ offices – checked 21/10/2026
- City of Wiesbaden: new photo rules since 1 May 2025 – checked 21/10/2026