Here you will find all the information you need to apply for an ID card. In your own interest, you should read this information carefully before your appointment in order to avoid having to come back again.

Specification of the residential address (only possible if you are no longer registered in Germany)

If you do not have a residential address in Germany, you can choose between the following

options in regard to the information on your ID:

the exact foreign address (only possible if you can provide a current proof of residence in the form of an electricity/water bill, rental agreement or similar)

or

the text „no address in Germany“ (however, this may restrict the use of the eID function of the ID card).

Online function of the ID card (‘eID function’)

ID Card of applicant who are at the time of the application are 15 years or younger, will receive an ID without eID function.

Collection of the ID card

Until 17 February 2025, the collection of the ID card is only possible in person at the German Embassy in Windhoek as you will receive the PIN as well. You will be informed by e-mail about the pick-up option once the ID card has arrived.

Changes to the eID function

Changes to the eID function (e.g. PIN change, change of residence) are only possible by prior appointment. Please book an appointment online.

Blocking your ID card

You can have the eID function of your ID card blocked in the event of loss/theft by calling the general blocking number +49 116 116 (does not work in all countries) or the international blocking number +49 30 40 50 40 50.

Application documents

Applications for IDs must be handed in personally at the German Embassy Windhoek and only after booking an appointment: How to book an appointment with the Consular Section - Auswärtiges Amt

All documents must be presented as an original and as a copy. Copies certified by German or Namibian authorities can replace the original.

Documents in other languages than in German and English must be handed in with a translation into German or English.

Please bring the following documents personally to your appointment:

• Completed and signed application for an identity card; the application needs to be signed by both parents or all legal guardians
  Passport for minors: application form (German - English) PDF / 559 KB
• Two identical, current biometric passport photos
  Photo template for passport photos PDF / 550 KB l
  The photo only has to be biometric for children above 6 years. Please note that photos that deviate from the pattern panel for passport photos cannot be accepted
• Last German passport or children’s passport (if available; if the last passport is lost or was stolen, please provide the police report)
• If applicable: deregistration from the last place of residence in Germany
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate of the parents (if the parents are or were married)
• If applicable: birth certificate of the German parent/s
• Current passports of the parents/legal guardians
• If a parent or the child was naturalized in Germany: German naturalization certificate or „Registrierschein“
• If a German parent or the child were naturalized in Namibia: Namibian certificate of naturalization and official permission to retain German citizenship (Beibehaltungsgenehmigung)
• If the child does not have Namibian citizenship: current residence permit
• If the child also has Namibian citizenship: Namibian identity document of the child
• If applicable: certificate of name issued by a German civil registry
• Confirmation of paternity (if applicable)
• Proof of the sole right of parental custody (if applicable): relevant court order, divorce or death certificate

Fees

The fees for the identity card needs to be paid at the application in Namibian Dollar. The below mentioned fees will be converted into Namibian Dollar according to the exchange rate of the Embassy on that day. Payment can be done with cash or credit cards (Visa or MasterCard).

Processing time and validity

German identity cards are produced by the Federal Printing Office in Berlin. Please expect a processing time of 8 to 10 weeks. Identity cards for applicants below 24 years are valid for 6 years.