Starting from May 1st, individuals who need to apply for a new identification document should prepare for potential difficulties. From that date onwards, the authorities will no longer accept paper-based passport photos and digital photos will be mandatory instead. However, many residents’ registration offices may not have the necessary photo terminals available until August, according to reports from the Nordkurier.
Of course, it would be possible to have a digital photo taken by a professional photographer and stored on a suitable medium, which can then be read by the relevant authority. However, this straightforward solution is not envisaged.
Photographers who wish to provide passport photos for authorities in the future will need to undergo certification. Additionally, they must store the photos in a corresponding cloud system. The customer will only receive a QR code. With this QR code, they will proceed to the relevant authority, which will then read the photo. This process may seem unnecessarily complicated, but it is indeed the case.
Alternatively, individuals can take their photos using specific photo kiosks installed in the authorities’ premises. However, these kiosks may not be available until August in many cases, or sometimes not at all, as there is no legal requirement for authorities to provide such kiosks.
In conclusion, Germany continues to be at odds with the process of digitalization.