Digital passport photos: Vegesack is upgrading – everything you need to know!

Digital passport photos: Vegesack is upgrading – everything you need to know!

A lot has happened in Bremen: From May 1, 2025, only digital passport photos may be submitted for ID cards and passports. This is part of a nationwide change in the law that aims to increase security against counterfeiting and minimize administrative effort. A significant step in this direction was already implemented on May 1, 2023, when the new digital passport photos became mandatory. The camera systems used nationwide are intended to prevent manipulation, such as morphing, and thus improve both the security and the quality of the photos, as verbraucherzentrale.de explains.

There are now two photo terminals available in the Vegesacker town hall to make it easier for people in Bremen to create digital passport photos. Citizens can have their photos taken there for six euros, while professional photographers charge between 20 and 25 euros. The machines offer a practical and cost-effective solution, but critics point out technical problems that can lead to inconveniences such as Weser courier reported. While demand for passport photos has fallen by around 50% among photographers, they argue that they can offer more personalized solutions and higher quality results.

New products from 2025

The regulation stipulates that from May 2025 only digital photos will be accepted, with a transition period for paper photos until July 31, 2025. Further aspects of this innovation are that passport photos can be created in certified photo studios and in citizen service centers. After the photo has been taken, those photographed receive a QR code so that they can seamlessly transmit their image to the authorities. This then checks whether the photo meets the strict requirements for biometric images.

The issue of security plays a central role: The digital images are encrypted before being uploaded and transmitted securely via a certified cloud solution. In addition, people without a smartphone or internet can also be photographed at the passport office for a small fee of six euros to ensure that no one is excluded, according to tagesschau.de.

More information and practical tips

From May 2025, it will also be possible to send ID cards and passports by post, but for a fee of 15 euros. Delivery is made by registered mail, so that personal receipt is guaranteed. Driving licenses are not affected by the new regulation; Here it remains with the conventional paper photos. For anyone who would like to find out more about the new regulations, the responsible authorities or the ID card portal are good places to start.

The digital turnaround in passport photos is unstoppable, and while the machines are already ready in Bremen, photographers and citizens are also being prepared for the new requirements. During the transition period, it will be exciting to see how Bremen's preferences develop - whether it's a machine or a photographer, the decision is up to each individual.