City residents can acquire PointID cameras starting from tomorrow at local civic offices.

The city of Passau, located in the heart of Bavaria, is undergoing a significant digital transformation, aiming to simplify bureaucratic procedures and offer real added value to its citizens.

One of the key aspects of this transformation is the introduction of the e-file system, which centralizes application and input channels. However, the authority responsible for introducing this system in Passau's administrative office remains undetermined, as no publicly available information has been identified as yet.

In preparation for this digital leap, the city administration is converting its entire accounting process into a new accounting workflow. This shift includes the comprehensive introduction of the e-file system, with two devices available in the citizen's office in the Old Town Hall and one more in the citizen's office in the Passavia service center.

The e-file system promises numerous benefits, including the ability for users to easily query the status of their applications online, around the clock, and free of charge. This convenience extends to various services, with Passau offering around 190 online services in the BayernPortal, with a rising trend.

A notable development is the implementation of the "PointID" system from the Federal Printing Office in Passau's citizen's offices, effective from August 13, 2025. This system, designed to record biometric data such as photographs, fingerprints, and signatures for passport and ID documents, streamlines the application process.

The finished photograph is directly integrated into the application process for ID or passport documents. The recording, digital check, and re-taking of photographs are done at the terminal. It's worth noting that digital photographs can now be created directly during the application process in Passau's two citizen's offices.

The digital biometric photograph has been mandatory since August 2025, and each recording comes with a fee of 6 euros. The application process for identity cards, passports, and foreigner-related documents has been simplified nationwide since May 2025.

The city administration's digitalization efforts have also extended to various areas of municipal administration. Digital solutions are now available for housing benefit applications, BAföG applications, driver's license applications, registry office, registration office, vehicle registration, and building applications, among others.

An example of a new online service is the "Online Information Vehicle Registration Certificates", available for checking the status of financed or leased vehicles. Additionally, an online appointment scheduling system has been available in Passau for around 4.5 years.

Despite the numerous digital solutions in place, the city of Passau still utilizes over 130 specialist procedures for diverse tasks, each requiring interfaces from the application portals. Overcoming various hurdles, such as the heterogeneous IT landscape, differing levels of digitization among involved parties, universally applicable electronic signature, legal frameworks, data protection barriers, and requirements for written form, is essential to automate the interplay of these procedures.

In conclusion, the city of Passau is actively embracing digital transformation, offering its citizens a more streamlined and convenient administrative experience. The implementation of the e-file system, "PointID" system, and various online services are significant steps towards this goal, with more digital solutions expected to follow.

City residents can acquire PointID cameras starting from tomorrow at local civic offices.