Enter the doctoral degree on your ID card and passport.
The entry is possible, but subject to conditions. And it is now listed in a different place than it used to be, for practical reasons.
The doctoral title can be entered on your identity card and passport if you are entitled to use it. For foreign degrees, the prerequisite is that you are permitted to use the abbreviation ‘Dr.’ without any additional qualifications. The entry appears in a separate field and is expressly not part of your name.
Requirements
Eligibility for entry depends on your right to use the title. Anyone authorised to use the title may have it entered.
How it works in practice
The authority responsible is the identity card or passport office in your local authority. You must present your doctoral certificate; for foreign degrees, you must also provide evidence of your right to use the title, a certificate evaluation from the ZAB where applicable, and certified translations.
The entry is made when a new document is issued. An existing document cannot be amended retrospectively, which means that if your identity card is still valid for a long time, the usual fees for reissuing it will apply.
Why the degree no longer appears in the name field
Previously, the doctoral degree appeared in the name field and thus also in the machine-readable zone. This regularly caused problems abroad because border authorities interpreted ‘DR’ as part of the name, meaning that bookings did not match the document.
Now it appears in a separate field. In practical terms, this means that when booking flights or applying for visas, you should enter your name without the title, exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone.
What the entry does not mean
The entry is not part of your name and does not confer any additional rights. It simply documents that you are entitled to use the title; nothing more. Recognition in another country remains the responsibility of the relevant authority there.
And it does not replace a verification process: a title that cannot be used does not become permissible simply by attempting to have it entered. The authority checks your eligibility before making the entry.
Frequently asked questions.
Can I have my doctoral degree entered on my identity card?+
Yes, if you are entitled to use it. The entry is made when a new document is issued.
Is the doctoral title part of the name?+
No. It appears in a separate field on the document and not in the name field or the machine-readable zone.
Does this also apply to foreign degrees?+
Yes, provided you are authorised to use the title ‘Dr.’ without any additional designation. For degrees from outside the EU and the EEA, the ZAB will assess each case individually.
Can an honorary doctorate be entered?+
Only with the suffix ‘h.c.’ or ‘E.h.’ and only if awarded by a recognised awarding body.
How much does the entry cost?+
It is included in the standard fee for issuing the document. Additional costs may apply for supporting documents or translations.
Do I have to have the title registered?+
No. Registration is voluntary and not required to use the title.
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