Identity card requirement - apply for exemption
If you are unable to participate in public life on your own, you can be exempted from the obligation to have an ID card.
This is possible, for example, if you are severely restricted in your mobility and cannot move around in public on your own.
You can cancel the exemption at any time. All you need to do is apply for an identity card or passport.
The confirmation that you are exempt from the ID requirement can be presented to the authorities, for example.
Responsible authority
The identity card authorities in Baden-Württemberg are
- the municipalities as local police authorities
- the administrative communities, which perform or fulfil the tasks of the registration authority.
As a rule, the citizens' offices or the citizens' offices fulfil the tasks of an identity card authority.
The identity card authority in whose district you are registered with your home, or your main residence if you have more than one home, is responsible for you.
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
- You are a German citizen.
- You are likely to be permanently accommodated in a hospital, nursing home or similar facility, or
- a guardian has been permanently appointed for you or you are represented by an authorised person in the event of incapacity to act or
- You are unable to move about in public on your own due to a permanent disability.
Procedure
You can submit the application informally. A carer or authorised representative can also submit the application on your behalf.
If you apply in person, you will receive confirmation of the exemption immediately.
If you apply in writing, the responsible office will send you the confirmation.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
- suitable proof that you are unable to participate in public life alone, for example by means of a certificate from your family doctor, hospital, care home or care service
- In the case of an application by an authorised representative or carer: proof of this, for example by means of a publicly certified or notarised power of attorney or a carer's certificate with the corresponding area of responsibility (e.g. determination of residence, official matters)
- ID of the authorised representative or carer, e.g. identity card or passport
Costs
none
Miscellaneous
none
Legal basis
Personalausweisgesetz (PAuswG)
- § 1 Ausweispflicht; Ausweisrecht
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Innenministerium Baden-Württemberg, 05.03.2026
