Leipzig disputes with federal government over increased costs for ID cards - Leipzig defies federal agency in bitter ID card cost dispute
Leipzig is locked in a dispute with Bundesdruckerei over rising costs for national ID cards. The city claims it is losing money on each document issued, while the federal printing agency insists on higher fees. Mayor Burkhard Jung has demanded that municipalities should not foot the bill for federal price increases.
The conflict centres on the production cost of ID cards for applicants under 24. Bundesdruckerei now charges €29.61 per card, yet Leipzig can only pass €27.60 on to residents. This leaves the city covering an extra €2.01 per document, amounting to around €170,000 in losses each year.
Leipzig has refused to accept the new pricing and continues transferring the old rate of €27.23. Mayor Jung argued that federal cost hikes should not burden local budgets, stating, 'Whoever orders must pay. If the federal government raises printing costs, the fees that municipalities are allowed to charge must be adjusted accordingly.'
The German Association of Cities supports Leipzig's position, questioning whether the entire system should be managed more centrally. Meanwhile, the Federal Interior Ministry confirmed Bundesdruckerei's higher billing, citing a 'mixed cost calculation' for different age groups.
The standoff highlights tensions between local and federal authorities over funding responsibilities. Until a resolution is reached, Leipzig will keep paying the previous rate, leaving the financial gap unresolved. The dispute also raises broader questions about how identity document costs are managed across Germany.
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