Revised office protocols for travel passports: capturing suitable photos within the Neumarkt office setting
Digital Passport Photos Now Mandatory Nationwide
Starting May, all citizens will need to comply with the new nationwide regulation that requires digital passport photos for ID cards, passports, and temporary travel documents. This regulation is aimed at enhancing the security of ID documents and preventing manipulations.
The new regulation necessitates professional photographers to capture the photos using a new e-passport photo procedure. Photos are digitally transmitted securely and directly from the photographer to the government authority, eliminating personal prints or self-created photos. The images are stored securely in encrypted form and can be reused for up to 6 months, accessible via a QR code at the relevant office.
Obtaining Digital Passport Photos
To obtain these digital passport photos, you can visit a professional photographer or a service authorized to produce e-passport photos using the new digital transmission procedure. The photo will be taken following biometric standards, checked for compliance, and uploaded securely to a government-accessible cloud. You or the authority will access the photo via a QR code for your application submission.
Costs and Alternatives
Services like FedEx Office nationwide offer standard passport photo prints at around $14.95 for two 2" x 2" compliant photos. However, these may not yet use the specific e-passport photo procedure mandated in Germany or other countries with similar requirements.
The new digital, professional photo services might charge varying fees depending on location and provider but ensure compliance and digital submission mandated by law. These digital services typically replace cheaper DIY or print-at-home photos, which are no longer allowed under regulations like Germany’s 2025 amendment.
Key Points on Photo Requirements
Digital photos must meet specific size and format requirements, such as for US passports, minimum 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels, JPEG format. Biometric standards mean photos must show face, ears, and other features clearly without obstruction, meeting strict quality criteria.
City-Specific Information
In the city, the PointID devices have been made available at the registration office in City Hall II. These devices are self-service terminals located on the second floor of City Hall II, and citizens can create digital passport photos for their ID documents independently. Two PointID devices are now available at City Hall II, and the fee for using them is six euros. It is important to note that these PointID devices are for creating digital passport photos for ID documents only.
No mention of the PointID devices being available at any other location besides City Hall II, and the new regulation does not specify where certified photo studios can be found. Digital passport photos can be obtained at certified photo studios as an alternative.
The city has announced the availability of these PointID devices as an option for citizens to comply with the new nationwide ID document regulation. Always verify if your local country or issuing authority has specific providers or online booking systems for the e-passport photo procedure.
- To obtain digital passport photos that meet the new nationwide regulation, you can visit a professional photographer or utilize self-service terminals like the PointID devices supplied at City Hall II in the city.
- The new digital passport photos, captured according to biometric standards, will be compliant with the law and will undergo secure digital transmission for reuse up to 6 months, accessible via a QR code.
