New Fees for German Identity Card (Personalausweis) Effective Today

BERLIN, 07 February 2026 – Citizens applying for a German identity card (Personalausweis) will face higher costs starting today. A nationwide fee adjustment has come into effect this Saturday, marking the first significant price hike for the document in several years. The Federal Ministry of the Interior justified the increase by citing rising production costs and the continued integration of high-tech security features designed to prevent forgery and identity theft.

Updated Fee Structure as of February 2026

The cost of the Personalausweis is determined by the age of the applicant at the time of the request. Under the new regulations, the fees have been adjusted as follows:

Technological Evolution and Security Features

The German Personalausweis is regarded as one of the most secure identity documents in the world. Its evolution from a simple paper-based document to a high-tech smart card has been marked by several milestones in security engineering.

Historical Development

• 1 April 1987: Introduction of the forged-proof plastic-laminated card with a paper inlet, conforming to ISO/IEC 7810 standards.
• November 2001: The “Identigram®” was introduced—a holographic security feature on the front of the card to enhance protection against manipulation.
• November 2010: Transition to the current ID-1 format (credit card size). This version introduced the integrated chip, enabling digital identity functions and biometric data storage.

Modern Security Standards

Current documents utilise a multi-layered security approach. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior and security experts at G+D Spotlight, these include:

• Laser Engraving: Personal data and photos are engraved into the polycarbonate layers, making them impossible to alter without destroying the card.
• Transparent Windows: Complex windows within the card body that contain additional security elements.
• Digital Identity (eID): The integrated chip allows users to identify themselves securely online. Access to data is only granted if the user provides a PIN, ensuring that the physical card and secret knowledge are both required for digital transactions.

The Role of the eID Function

The “Online-Ausweisfunktion” (online ID function) has become a central component of Germany’s digitisation strategy. It allows citizens to handle administrative tasks with authorities or open bank accounts entirely online. Privacy advocates, such as Digitalcourage, note that while the technical security hurdles for forging these documents are extremely high, the security of the digital identity relies heavily on the user’s handling of their PIN and the protection of their hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did the price of the Personalausweis increase?

The price increase, effective 7 February 2026, was implemented to cover the rising costs of production, personnel at municipal offices, and the maintenance of the high security standards required for the document.

How long is my current ID card valid?

The validity of your current card remains unchanged. If you are 24 or older, the card is valid for ten years. If you are under 24, it is valid for six years. You only need to pay the new fee when you apply for a new document after your current one expires.

What should I do if I lose my Personalausweis?

If your ID card is lost or stolen, you must report the loss to your local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) or the police immediately. If the online ID function is active, you should also have it blocked by calling the emergency blocking hotline (Sperr-Notruf) to prevent misuse.

Are there changes for children?

Yes, as of 7 February 2026, there are also updated regulations regarding the PIN procedure for children under the age of ten, though the eID function is generally only activated for those aged 16 and over.