How does the process of reading out the photo from the passport work?

At the notary appointment, your notary will ask you to scan your photograph. To do this, you will be shown a QR code in the video conference, which you must scan with the Notary App. The readout process will then start.

The readout of the photo consists of two steps: Firstly, the passport is scanned with the camera on your smartphone and then the photograph is read out.

Note: Your passport must be valid for the photo to be scanned.
 

1. Scanning process


To scan the passport via the Notary App, open the page of the passport on which your data and photograph are located. During the scanning process, make sure to avoid reflections by adjusting the lighting conditions for example. Also make sure that no data in the area to be scanned is covered. 

If you have problems scanning, you can also enter your data manually: To do this, select the "Manuelle Eingabe / manual input" button on the side. Then enter the following data:

  • Document number (for German passports, the "Passport" number at the top right)
  • Your date of birth
  • The expiry date of your passport

 

2. Readout process

After scanning or manually entering the identity card data, the readout process of the photo begins. To ensure that this works smoothly, proceed as follows:

  • Open your passport so that your data card is opened and place the opened passport on a firm surface (table). 
    Note: If your passport was issued before 2017, the chip is located in the cover of the passport. In this case, place the closed passport face up on a firm surface (table).

 

Bild Reisepass Deutschland
  • Then place your smartphone on the data sheet or on the closed passport with the display facing upwards.
  • As soon as the readout process starts, do not move your smartphone or passport.
  • If the readout process does not start, change the position of the smartphone bit by bit until the readout process starts. The NFC interface of your smartphone is usually located in the upper area on the back. You can find the NFC position of all common smartphones on the AusweisApp website.

Follow the instructions in the Notary App.