Address stickers and bigger pictures: German ID cards to change in 2027

The German government plans to alter the layout and personal details on the German ID card (Personalausweis) beginning in 2027, according to the German Interior Ministry. The changes will impact how citizens update the address listed on their ID card, with the process currently being digitised by local Bürgerämter. In the future, small address stickers will likely be mailed to citizens instead of affixed directly to their cards.

Furthermore, the government is contemplating removing addresses from the ID cards entirely to streamline the procedure. It remains unclear if these adjustments will also apply to residence permits. The modifications will also involve enlarging photographs on the IDs, updating current security measures, and integrating new security elements.

The new cards will boast enhanced cryptographic protection and feature data matrix codes, akin to QR codes, to facilitate identity verification. By the conclusion of 2027, all newly issued ID cards are expected to conform to these revised specifications.