(1) Identity cards shall be issued upon application to Germans within the meaning of Article 116 (1) of the Basic Law. Section 3a (1) of the Administrative Procedure Act shall not apply. During the application process, information to be provided following the initial application may be submitted electronically. An authorized representative may not file an identity card application on behalf of the passport applicant or his/her legal representative. This shall not apply to an applicant who is unable to act or provide consent, upon presentation of a power of attorney which has been publicly certified or notarized for this purpose. The applicant and his legal or authorized representative are to appear in person.
(2) For minors under age 16 and for persons who are legally incapable and who do not have an authorized representative in accordance with subsection 1 fifth sentence, the only person who may file an application on their behalf is the custodial adult responsible for supervising their residency. After the minor's 16th birthday and before his or her 18th birthday, the custodial adult shall be required to submit an application for an identity card if the minor fails to do so. Minors 16 years old or older may undertake proceedings pursuant to this Act.
(3) This application shall include all information needed to confirm the applicant’s identity and status as a German citizen. Information about doctoral degrees attained and any religious, stage or pen names shall be voluntary. The applicant shall supply the necessary supporting documents. When submitting an application, applicants shall indicate in writing whether their fingerprints are to be stored on the storage and processing medium of the identity card. If the applicant decides against storing his/her fingerprints, this shall result in no legal or factual disadvantages other than that procedures for verifying identity by checking fingerprints cannot be used. Applicants shall be informed in writing of this and of the fact that storing fingerprints is voluntary. If fingerprints are to be stored on the identity card, they are to be taken from the applicant and captured electronically in accordance with Section 5 (9). No fingerprints of children under age 6 shall be taken.
(4) In case of doubt regarding the applicant’s identity, the necessary measures to establish his/her identity shall be taken The identity card authority may arrange to have applicants photographed and fingerprinted by the police if it would otherwise be impossible or extremely difficult to determine the applicant’s identity. Once the applicant’s identity has been established, any documents collected for the purpose of establishing such identity shall be destroyed. The fact that these documents have been destroyed shall be recorded.
(5) A child aged 10 or over at the time the application is made shall sign his/her own identity card.