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Passport photo

From August 1, 2025: Digital Passport Photos Only!

Posted on by PM STUDIOS
a man taking a picture of a woman sitting on a chair
02
Aug

From August 1, 2025: Passport Photos Only Digital – What You Need to Know!

Starting August 1, 2025, passport photos for ID cards and passports in Germany may only be created and transmitted digitally after the two-month transition period. With this new regulation, the Federal Ministry of the Interior aims to prevent manipulation and increase the security of identity documents.

Source: Handwerksblatt.de

Digital Passport Photos – What Has Changed?

Previously, passport photos could be submitted both in paper form and digitally at the local citizen’s office. As of August 2025, printed photos will no longer be accepted. Instead, photos must now be encrypted and transmitted directly to the citizen’s office or immigration authority in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).

The new procedure offers two options:

  1. Directly at the office: Citizens can have their passport photo taken directly at the passport and ID authority.
  2. At a professional photographer: Alternatively, you can still visit a professional photo studio such as PM Studios. Here, your passport photo is created according to all legal requirements and transmitted securely via a certified cloud directly to the responsible authority.

How the Photo Transmission Works at PM Studios

When you have your passport photo taken at our studio, the process works as follows:

  • Professional photography: We create your biometric passport photo according to the latest standards.
  • Secure transmission: The photo is uploaded encrypted into the official cloud.
  • Data matrix code: You receive a printout with a unique code to present at the authority.
  • Direct access for the authority: Your photo is scanned and retrieved from the cloud—no additional appointment required.

This procedure ensures that your photo is immediately checked for biometric compliance and cannot be manipulated.

Why This Change Was Necessary

The reason for this new regulation is the so-called morphing technique. With this method, several facial images can be merged into a single image, making document manipulation possible. By enforcing mandatory digital transmission, these security gaps are closed.

The goal: Better protection against identity theft and unauthorized border crossings.

Benefits for You as a Citizen

  • Professional photos in studio quality
  • No more paper photos required
  • Secure and encrypted data transmission
  • Direct biometric verification
  • Time savings during application processing

Conclusion: PM Studios Is Your Partner for Digital Passport Photos

The good news: You still have a choice!
Whether it’s for an ID card, passport, or residence permit – at PM Studios we create your digital passport photo in compliance with all legal requirements and transmit it directly to the relevant authority. Fast, easy, and absolutely secure.

➡️ Book your appointment for a digital passport photo now

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