From May onwards, the doctorate in ID documents will be over. The title caused problems at border controls.
Do I have to apply for a new ID now? Many people with doctoral degrees may now be asking themselves, do I need a new passport? In response to apparently confusing information in German passports, the Federal Ministry of the Interior has now taken measures. The information in question concerns the entry of the doctoral title before the last name in the identity card and passport. On February 7, 2024, the Ministry of the Interior decided to introduce a separate field for the doctoral title in the documents with the regulation (document 66/24) The validity of passports, identity cards, or travel documents that have already been issued remains unaffected by the design change. However, existing visas and entry registrations are generally linked to the passport number and would also have to be applied for again, according to information from the Interior Ministry. For passport holders who want to prevent possible future travel difficulties, the ministry recommends applying for anew identification document.