Digital passport photos in Munich: New ID, new rules from May 2025!

Digital passport photos in Munich: New ID, new rules from May 2025!

From the beginning of May 2025, paper will be an end: Anyone who wants to apply for a new ID or passport in Munich must do so with a digital passport photo. This regulation applies not only locally, but nationwide, and primarily serves to avoid manipulation when submitting applications. How tz.de reports, the digital images can be taken in citizens' offices or certified photo studios for around six euros. Customers can also use drugstores such as dm, which offer the same service.

The dm area manager in Munich emphasizes that customers' experiences with the new system are predominantly positive. However, there are also some stumbling blocks. Many people are not yet aware of the new requirements, and one mother, Daniela Pohl, experienced difficulties when her picture was rejected due to a shadow. However, others, like customer Omar, were able to successfully use their digital passport photo to submit it to the consulate the following day.

Transition period and new security

From May 1, 2025, all passport photos for ID cards and passports must be submitted in digital form. The aim of this measure is to significantly improve security and at the same time increase the quality of passport photos. As the Consumer advice center explains, digital passport photos are intended to prevent manipulation, for example through a process called morphing, in which photos of several people can be combined to form a new image.

The regulations stipulate that the digital passport photo is made available either directly at the authority or via a secure transmission channel from a photo studio. In the photo studio you will receive a QR code that allows you to retrieve the image from the authorities. In addition, the images must meet the requirements for biometric photos, which are strictly checked by the passport authorities.

Technical developments and challenges

This provides information beyond technical progress daily news that citizens' offices have a transition period until July 31, 2025, during which conventional paper photos will still be accepted. From August 2025, all requests must be made with digital photos. However, the change also brings with it challenges for photo studios, which have to adapt their equipment to the new requirements, which can result in costs amounting to several thousand euros.

Citizens who do not have access to smartphones or the Internet have the option of having their photo taken directly at the passport office for a fee of six euros. A total of up to 10,000 photo terminals should be available in the authorities to support digital recording. Sending your ID card or passport by post is also new and costs 15 euros.

Overall, the new regulation shows a clear trend towards greater security and efficiency when applying for a passport. The switch to digital passport photos is a step that should not be underestimated, especially in a modern, networked world. Time will tell whether we have to get used to the new customs, but one thing is clear: paper has had its day!