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’)

The ID card of persons who have reached the age of 16 is automatically equipped with an online function (‘eID function’).

You can find more information on the ‘eID function’ here.

You will receive the access data (PIN, PUK and blocking password) to use this eID function when you collect your ID card or, from 17 February 2025, when you apply for an ID card.

To actually use the eID function, the transport PIN must be changed. To do so, you can either use the AusweisApp, a corresponding card reader or a suitable smartphone with NFC technology. Alternatively, the PIN number can be changed in person at any German ID card authority (e.g. at the German Embassy in Windhoek).

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.

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
• Application form for adultsPDF / 614 KB
• Two identical, current biometric passport photos. Please note that photos that deviate from the pattern panel for passport photos cannot be accepted
• Photo template for passport photosPDF / 550 KB
• Last German identity card of passport (if available; if the last identity card is lost or was stolen, please provide the police report)
• Birth certificate
• If applicable: birth certificate of the German parent/s
• If applicable: German passport/s of the German parent/s
• If you were naturalized in Germany: German naturalization certificate or „Registrierschein“
• If you were naturalized in Namibia: Namibian certificate of naturalization and official permission to retain German citizenship (Beibehaltungsgenehmigung)
• If you do not have Namibian citizenship: current residence permit
• If you also have Namibian citizenship: Namibian identity document
• If applicable: certificate of name issued by a German civil registry
• Marriage certificate (if you are or were married)
• If applicable: divorce documents
• If you wish your academic title to be registered: certificate of the degree
• If applicable: deregistration from the last place of residence in Germany

Info

Please note that incomplete applications will not be accepted. In some cases it might be necessary to provide additional documents.
The Embassy requests your understanding that the application documents might be quite numerous for some applicants. As soon as all necessary documents are on file at the Embassy, it is not necessary to provide them at the next application. If there are any changes during that time, they need to be supported through further documentation.

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. Identity cards for applicants above 24 years are valid for 10 years.