Streamlining ID & Passport Delivery: A Fresh Approach, But At What Cost?
Municipal entities voice discontent over steep charges for identity document delivery
In a bid to make administrative processes more convenient, ID cards and passports can now be delivered right to your doorstep. But be prepared to shell out an extra 15 euros! Municipalities don't seem to be too overwhelmed by this change, as they believe the high fee will keep the demand low.
For those who'd rather skip a trip to the office, the convenience of having your ID card or passport delivered home is now an option. However, Helmut Dedy, CEO of the Association of German Cities, expresses his disappointment that this new regulation doesn't live up to the expectations of simplifying administrative procedures and reducing bureaucracy. The high shipping fee of 15 euros and the requirement for personal delivery at your registered address may deter many from using this service.
One-third of applicants are already enjoying the convenience of having their driver's license delivered for approximately 5 euros. But when it comes to ID cards and passports, the path isn't quite as smooth. Many individuals with limited mobility will likely opt for this service, while others may question its attractiveness considering the extra cost and the requirement to be home on the day of delivery.
According to the German Association of Towns and Municipalities, every postal delivery of an ID document eases the workload for the authorities. By reducing the number of appointments needed in citizen's offices and town halls, more capacity becomes available. The postal delivery of driver's licenses by the Federal Printing Office is already an option at numerous driver's license authorities.
In May, newly issued passports and ID cards, along with some other documents, can be mailed when applying at municipal offices. However, these documents are personal and cannot be issued or held by third parties. Applicants must verify that they receive their documents. Moreover, those applying for a new ID card or passport are expected to provide a digital passport photo from May, either taken at the citizen’s offices or uploaded to an encrypted cloud by a certified photo studio.
Engaging in this digital transformation, DHL will start delivering identity cards, passports, electronic residence titles, and eID cards, starting May 2nd. Delivery personnel of the German Post will hand over the envelope containing the new identification document at the recipient's doorstep after proper identification. The fee for direct delivery has been set at 15 euros as per the relevant regulations.
[1] ntv.de[2] spl/dpa[3] Bundesinnenministerium[4] Wiesbaden.de[5] Deutsche Stadt- und Marktgemeinden-Tag
Insights:
- The European Union is working on a proposed regulation to simplify the exchange of personal data between member states, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and improve cross-border services [1].
- In light of the digitalization trend, the German government and state governments have made significant investments in updating information technology systems, improving service delivery, and enhancing data security [2].
- Studies show that digital ID solutions can save time and reduce costs for both the government and citizens by improving the efficiency of administrative processes [3].
- Germany has been implementing various digital initiatives, such as the digital identity platform " Signalleuchtern," to enhance digital transformation efforts and modernize public services [4].
[1] eur-lex.europa.eu[2] Tagesspiegel[3] McKinsey & Company, "The Future of Identity after COVID-19"[4] Bundesministerium des Innern, für Bau und Heimat, "Signalleuchtern"
- In contrast to driver's licenses, the delivery of ID cards and passports comes with an additional fee of 15 euros, causing some concern that the policy may not meet its goal of simplifying administration and reducing bureaucracy.
- The Association of German Cities has criticized the new regulation, stating that the high fee and home delivery requirement might dissuade many from using the service, going against the intended streamlining of ID and passport delivery.
- The postal delivery of ID documents is expected to lighten the workload for authorities, as it reduces the number of appointments necessary in citizen's offices and town halls.
- The German government has made strategic investments in digital transformation, hoping to modernize public services, improve service delivery, and enhance data security, as part of its policy agenda on policy-and-legislation and general news topics.
