Greifswald Introduces Digital Photos for ID Cards and Passports
In a modernisation drive, Greifswald has introduced digital photos for new personal docs. Since May 2025, applicants can have their photos taken directly at the city administration office for ID cards and passports, with the service costing just 6 euros.
The new system, a collaboration between the Greifswald city administration and the Federal Printing Office, allows employees to capture digital images at their workstations. This convenience extends to parents with young children, although professional photographers are recommended for babies and toddlers.
The digital photos are securely stored and transmitted. Photographers upload the images encrypted to a cloud, accessible via a unique QR code. However, this new feature is currently limited to identity cards and passports, with driver's licenses and other docs still requiring traditional photos.
The Greifswald city administration's move to digital photos for personal documents has streamlined the application process. Applicants can now have their photos taken at the registration office, with the service costing 6 euros. While the new system is currently limited to ID cards and passports, it promises a more efficient and convenient experience for residents.
