Question 1

Can I use an online passport photo service in Germany?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the document. Since May 2025, Germany's PointID rule requires certified studio photos for German passports (Reisepass) and national ID cards (Personalausweis). However, online photos are still fully allowed for: driver's licence (Führerschein), visa applications (Schengen, US, UK), non-German passports (Swiss, Austrian, US), and job application photos (Bewerbungsfotos).

Question 2

What is Germany's PointID rule?

Accepted Answer

PointID is a German BSI regulation introduced in May 2025. It requires that photos for German passports and Personalausweis are taken at certified photo studios or official biometric kiosks ("PointID terminals") so the image is submitted directly from the certified device — bypassing printouts and digital uploads. This rule does NOT apply to visa photos, driver's licence photos, or passports from other countries.

Question 3

I need a photo for my Swiss/Austrian/US passport — can I use ID Wizard while in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. The PointID rule only applies to German documents (Reisepass and Personalausweis). If you are applying for a Swiss, Austrian, US, UK, or any other non-German passport while living in Germany, you can use ID Wizard without any restrictions.

Question 4

I need a German driver's licence photo — is ID Wizard allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The PointID rule explicitly does not cover driver's licences (Führerschein). German driving licence photos can still be created with online services and submitted as a print or digital file. ID Wizard creates ICAO-compliant photos at 300 DPI that meet German Führerscheinstellen requirements.

Question 5

I'm applying for a Schengen or US visa from Germany — can I use an online photo?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Visa application photos are explicitly excluded from the PointID regulation. Whether you need a photo for a Schengen visa, US visa (B1/B2, F1, H1B), UK visa, or any other visa application, online-created ICAO-compliant photos are fully accepted. ID Wizard supports all common visa formats.

Question 6

What are the passport photo requirements in Germany?

Accepted Answer

All German documents follow the ICAO standard: 35 × 45 mm (exception: US format is 51 × 51 mm), white or very light grey background, head height 70–80% of the image (approx. 31–36 mm). Neutral expression, eyes open and clearly visible, no glasses, no headwear (except religious/medical reasons). Photo must be taken within the last 6 months.

Question 7

What if my photo is rejected?

Accepted Answer

You get a full refund. Email hallo@id-wizard.com with the rejection reason and we'll resolve it immediately.

Question 8

What happens to my photo?

Accepted Answer

Your photo is used only to create your biometric photo, then deleted. It is sent to specialised processors: Remove.bg (background removal), optionally AWS Rekognition (biometric cropping) and optionally OpenAI (quality check). Remove.bg and AWS Rekognition delete your photo immediately after processing. OpenAI retains API inputs for up to 30 days per their privacy policy. Fully GDPR compliant.

Passport Photo in Germany — what's still online?

What can I use ID Wizard for in Germany?

How to create your photo

Frequently Asked Questions

Create your photo now

Passport Photo in Germany — what's still online?

What can I use ID Wizard for in Germany?

How to create your photo

Frequently Asked Questions

Create your photo now