Apply for a provisional passport
Online services
Do you need a new passport immediately? Then you can apply for a temporary passport.
What do I need to know?
Service description
You will have to wait at least two weeks for a regular passport. An express passport takes around three to four working days. If this is not fast enough for your travel plans, you can apply for a temporary passport. You will need to provide the Bürgeramt with a reason for this.
You will receive the temporary passport immediately upon application, so you do not have to wait for it.
The temporary passport does not contain an electronic storage medium (chip). Therefore, your fingerprints will not be recorded.
In some countries, such as the USA, visa-free entry is only possible with a passport that contains a chip. If you want to enter these countries with a temporary passport, you will therefore also need a visa.
You can find out about the current entry requirements for your destination country and the required identification documents from the U.S. Department of State.
From May 1, 2025, we will only be allowed to use digital photos for passport and ID card applications that have been taken by a certified studio or drugstore (you will then receive a code) or directly at a self-service terminal in the administration office. These are currently available at the citizen service center in the Kaiserstraße town hall and in the local government offices in Altstadt, Hartenberg-Münchfeld, and Lerchenberg.
Application
- in person
We require a signature and fingerprints. - For minors: Parents must always be present.
- It is not necessary for both parents to be present. A declaration of consent from the parent who is not present is also sufficient.
- If the parents live together, we require a declaration of consent from the absent parent.
- If the parents live separately, we do not require a declaration of consent as long as the absent parent agrees with the child's habitual residence (child living with the parent who is present).
- In the case of single mothers, we generally assume sole custody.
- For single fathers, we require proof of custody.
- For children:
- They must be present when the application is made, regardless of the child's age.
- Children aged 10 and above must sign themselves. Signatures from younger children are permitted.
- No fingerprints are taken from children under the age of 6; this only happens once they have reached the age of 6.
- We usually issue passports for persons aged 12 and over.
- However, it is also possible to issue passports for persons between the ages of 0 and 18, as identity cards are not recognized in some countries.
Issuance We issue
the temporary passport immediately.
Validity
The validity period is 1 year.
Note
Please check the relevant entry requirements (e.g., from the State Department). A temporary passport is not sufficient for transit flights via the USA.
Prerequisites
- It is no longer possible to issue an express passport in time.
- You have German citizenship.
-
There must be no reasons for refusing to issue a passport. This includes, for example, the assumption that you would be subject to criminal prosecution
- criminal prosecution,
- enforcement of a sentence, or
- a legal maintenance obligation.
- Your primary residence is in Mainz.
- If this is not the case, you must obtain a pass authorization beforehand.
Procedure
- You must apply for the temporary passport in person.
- The application is filled out on site at the citizens' office. All you have to do is sign it.
- You will receive your temporary passport immediately.
Remark
- Information on the German passport on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) (opens in a new tab)
- Information on passports and identity cards on the website of the Federal Foreign Office (AA) (opens in a new tab)
- Information on the security of the destination country or transit country and on the required documents on the website of the Federal Foreign Office (AA) (opens in a new tab)
What else should I know?
- You cannot change your name in the temporary passport retrospectively.
- If you lose your temporary passport, you must report this immediately.
- Information on the German passport on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) (opens in a new tab)
- Information on passports and identity cards on the website of the Federal Foreign Office (AA) (opens in a new tab)
- Information on the security of the destination country or transit country and on the required documents on the website of the Federal Foreign Office (AA) (opens in a new tab)
Legal basis
Deadlines
- Validity period: 1 year
The validity period of the temporary passport is adjusted to the purpose of the trip and is limited to a maximum of one year. It cannot be extended.
Processing time
Processing will take place immediately.
What do I need to bring or submit?
- Biometric digital passport photo: taken on site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
- Previous passport or identity card
- If applicable, civil status certificate, such as birth or marriage certificate
-
If applicable, proof that the temporary passport is necessary, for example:
- Airline tickets
- Other travel documents
How much does it cost and how can I pay?
Fees
- Fee: EUR 26.
00 The fee is independent of your age. - Fee: EUR 96.
00 Application abroad, for example, if your passport was stolen while on vacation. - Fee: €52.00
For applications in a municipality other than your home municipality.
Payment methods
Cash / EC
Similar services
Contact us
Address
Bürgerservice
Stadthaus Kaiserstraße Lauteren-Flügel
Kaiserstraße 3
55116 Mainz
Postal address
55026 Mainz
Telephone, fax and e-mail address
Your way to us
Opening hours
Visits are by appointment only. Make an appointment online (opens in a new tab)
The opening hours of the citizen services office are:
Monday: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Customers with appointments should present the appointment confirmation sent to them by email at the information desk. They will then be granted access. Please arrive on time for your appointment, i.e., not too early, but also not late. This is the only way to ensure that security measures can be maintained.
Please note that almost all services can also be provided at the local government offices (opens in a new tab).
Accessibility
Information on accessibility
- Barrier-free access is available
- The WC is barrier-free