§ 61a AufenthV: Fingerprint capture when applying for chip-based documents

When you apply for a document with a chip, the authority takes your fingerprints.

Which fingerprints are stored? The authority must store the flat print of your left index finger. The authority must also store the flat print of your right index finger. These prints go onto the chip of your document.

What happens if an index finger does not work? Sometimes an index finger is missing. Sometimes the quality of the print is poor. Sometimes the fingertip is injured. In these cases, the authority must take a different finger instead. Instead, this is your thumb, your middle finger, or your ring finger. The authority also stores the flat print of this finger.

When are no fingerprints stored at all? Sometimes it is impossible for medical reasons to take your fingerprints. This applies only if this reason is not merely temporary. Then your fingerprints may not be stored.

Viewing your stored data If you request it, the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners authority) must give you access to the data stored in the chip. This means: the Ausländerbehörde must show you which data is stored in the chip.

Your fingerprints are deleted at the Ausländerbehörde The Ausländerbehörde also stores your fingerprints itself, until you receive your document. The Ausländerbehörde must delete these stored fingerprints again. This must happen at the latest when you receive your document.