From 01.05.2025, only digital photographs can be accepted for official documents. A photo capture device, the "Speed Capture Kiosk", is available in all citizens' offices of the state capital of Magdeburg (except in the mobile citizens' office) and in the driving license office to take these digital photos. The device is operated by a private photo service provider. The cost of the photo capture is 7 euros and is paid together with the fee for your ID document at the pay machine. You can pay the amount either in cash or by EC card.

This is how it works: At the "Speed Capture Kiosk" you can take your photo yourself, which saves you the hassle of having to get a passport photo separately and at the same time speeds up the processing of your request. A quality check is carried out immediately while the photo is being taken. As soon as you submit your application, the clerk retrieves the data from the specialist procedure, checks its authenticity and takes it directly and securely from a protected server. The photo is stored on the server for 48 hours.

The Speed Capture Kiosk is particularly user-friendly and barrier-free. People in wheelchairs can automatically adjust the device to their height by pressing the "Wheelchair button“ on the touchscreen. The kiosk is suitable for people over 1.20 m tall.

It goes without saying that the machine meets all data protection requirements. All devices that capture biometric data for document creation must comply with the technical guidelines of the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). These requirements have been confirmed to the manufacturer by a corresponding certificate from the BSI.