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Frequently asked questions relating to German passports
FAQ
If you are still registered in Germany, a certified copy of your birth certificate will be sufficient.
If you are not registered in Germany (anymore), you have to get the birth certificate from the Registry Office that registered your birth.
Please contact the German Consulate in Sydney before your passport application:
Only German citizens can apply for a German passport. If you think you might be eligible for a German passport, but are not sure, have a look at the following section of your website:
The average processing time is between 8 and 10 weeks - provided your application is complete and no documents are missing. Please be informed that it might take longer in some cases. Also please note that biometric passports are printed in Germany and we have no influence on the duration of printing and shipping times.
For an extra fee, you can apply for an “express passport”. Average processing time for an “express passport” is between 4 to 6 weeks - provided your application is complete and no documents are missing.
For applicants younger than 24 years, a passport is valid for 6 years. For applicants older than 24 years, the passport is valid for 10 years.
No. When your passport expires, you have to apply for a new passport.
You have two options:
1) If your passport has expired less than a year ago, you can still use it to enter Germany. Please contact your airline before your departure. Also please make sure you have a valid travel document to return to Australia, if applicable.
2) You can apply for a temporary passport. Temporary passports are printed at the German Consulate in Sydney and can therefore be issued within a few days - provided your application is complete and no documents are missing. Please note that you will be required to apply for a standard biometric passport at the same time.
As a German citizen, you have to use your German passport to enter Germany. If you don't you might be fined (up to 5000 EUR).
You will need to get a police record before you can apply for your new passport. For more information, please click here:
Yes. You will need to bring your original (old) passport for your new passport application, but can take it with you after the appointment. As soon as your new passport has arrived, we need the old passport from you. It will be stamped unvalid and returned to you together with the new passport.
As we need to take your fingerprints, you have to come to the Consulate in person to apply for your passport.
Child passports can be issued for children until the age of 12. Please note that not all countries accept the child passports as an entry document (e.g. the United States do not).
As child passports are printed at the German Consulate in Sydney, processing times can be as short as a few days - provided the application is complete and no documents are missing.
Child passports have replaced the older, green version of paper travel documents (Kinderausweise) and are non-biometric types of passports, which are issued by the Consulate. Beginning 01.01.2021, they are valid for just one year, but will not be issued beyond the child’s 12th birthday. Please be aware, that this passport is subject to certain travel restrictions in several countries (for example: it’s not possible to enter the US without a visa). Therefore please check before departure, if the country of your destination will accept the child passport.