Cabinet Approves Increased ID Card Fee Despite Business Criticism
The Federal Cabinet has decided to raise the fee for ID cards from 37 to 46 euros. Additionally, a 6-euro photo fee will apply if the passport photo is taken by authorities. These changes await approval by the Bundesrat before coming into effect.
Accusations from the Business Community
The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) strongly opposes the fee hike, accusing the federal government of granting a monopoly to the state-owned Bundesdruckerei. They argue this constitutes “impermissible cross-subsidization.”
The fee increase is meant to finance the “PointID” photo recording system of Bundesdruckerei, “at the expense of retailers and private terminal providers.”
Background of the Conflict
Municipalities can theoretically choose between the Bundesdruckerei's PointID system or private providers for photo recording in citizens' offices. However, the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) recently decided that municipalities can use PointID free of charge.
The BMI explains that the costs for developing, producing, and maintaining these devices will now be covered “according to the principle of solidarity” via the general ID card fee.
Summary
This fee increase, justified by financing government photo technology, faces sharp opposition over concerns of monopolistic practices and unfair cost distribution.
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