Digital ID photos: local authorities struggle with implementation

Shortly before the switch to digital photos for ID cards and passports on May 1st, some Saxon municipalities are struggling with delays in implementation. Although new ID cards may only be applied for with digital photos in future, several municipalities in Saxony have announced that the necessary technology is still lacking in many places.

According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the passport photos can either be taken directly in the citizens' offices or uploaded to a secure cloud by certified photo studios. The technology required for this is provided to the municipalities free of charge. There is a fee of six euros per photo. Due to delays in equipping the authorities, a transitional arrangement is now in place until the end of July - paper photos will continue to be accepted during this period.

Delivery problems in Zwickau and Dresden

The city of Zwickau, for example, has said that it ordered the new technology early, but it will probably not be ready for use in time due to nationwide delivery delays. The city is therefore unable to offer digital passport photos on site for the time being and refers to the exemption until the end of July. Anyone wishing to apply for an ID card from May onwards should find out about the current options beforehand.

With the exception of the Altstadt, Blasewitz and Neustadt locations, the necessary equipment is also still missing in Dresden. However, the devices have been ordered. A date for the full introduction of the new system has yet to be set. Initially, paper photos will also be accepted here - in clearly defined exceptional cases - until the end of July.

Leipzig and Chemnitz better prepared

In Leipzig, on the other hand, the citizens' offices are almost fully prepared, according to their own information. Only two branch offices - Böhlitz-Ehrenberg and Liebertwolkwitz - are still lacking technology due to delivery problems. It should be installed by July at the latest. However, the tense staffing situation could lead to restrictions at certain points, it said.

In Chemnitz, the central community center on the Wall is already equipped with a registration terminal, with more to follow. The city recommends checking whether the ID cards are still valid before the start of the summer vacations. The validity period of the documents cannot be extended. A new application is therefore necessary.