All important documents must always be carried with you
Passports, IDs
As “Russkaya Germaniya” emphasizes, all foreigners entering or staying in Germany are required to carry a passport. When traveling abroad, passengers must present their passport at border control (Grenzkontrolle). It is advisable to have a passport with you while traveling or on a business trip abroad, but not every country has a law requiring constant carrying of this document.
Only those who have a membership card (Mitgliedsausweis) of these organizations can participate in certain events of unions and associations. Entry to some institutions, as well as to the premises of an enterprise or company, is only possible with an employee or visitor pass.
Representatives of certain professions, such as police officers, must always carry their service ID; without it, they are not allowed to perform their direct duties. Employees of certain professions who have the right to carry weapons are required to have the appropriate permit during working hours.
Driver's documents
If you drive a car or operate another vehicle, you must, at the first request of a police officer, present a number of valid documents that certify your right to drive the vehicle, as well as the fact that the vehicle is registered and approved for use.
Documents that could be used by thieves when stealing or breaking into a car should not be left in the vehicle.
• Driver's license (Führerschein). A driver's license is proof of your right to drive. It must be taken on every trip and presented during a traffic safety check (Verkehrskontrolle).
• Vehicle registration certificate (Fahrzeugschein). The vehicle registration certificate and its approval for road traffic part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) should always be carried with you. It is proof that the vehicle is in working order. This document contains the following information: owner data, vehicle data, date of the next technical inspection, record of technical changes to the vehicle.
• Special case: classes S and M. Owners of vehicles of classes S and M must have an operating permit (Betriebserlaubnis) instead of the vehicle registration certificate and its approval for road traffic parts I and II. It contains confirmation that the vehicle complies with technical regulations (technische Vorschriften). This document must always be with you during a trip. It contains vehicle data, owner data, and a record of technical changes to the vehicle.
• Proof of vehicle insurance. This document (Versicherungsnachweis) confirms the existence of insurance, not only for cars but also for vehicles exempt from registration (zulassungsfreie Fahrzeuge) such as mopeds (Mofa) and motor scooters (Motorroller). It must always be carried on a trip in case of an accident.
• Vehicle title (Fahrzeugbrief). The vehicle registration certificate and its approval for road traffic part II (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II), formerly called Fahrzeugbrief. This document, certifying ownership of the vehicle, must be available for all vehicles subject to registration, but it is not necessary to carry it with you. It contains basic vehicle data, data on the current and previous owner.
Medical documents
In Germany, there is no law requiring people to carry documents that indicate health problems. But it is in the interest of the person with a chronic illness. If they have a seizure or a sudden deterioration in health, it is highly desirable that those around them, including doctors, immediately understand what is happening. Additionally, emergency doctors will already know what they are dealing with upon arrival and will not waste valuable seconds. Such documents can also be useful for other categories of people.
So, what medical documents are best to always carry with you?
• Health insurance card (Krankenversicherungskarte). It is now issued with a photo, which helps identify a person in the absence of a passport or other ID.
• The European emergency card (europäische Notfallausweis, ENA) is also important. It contains all necessary information about a seriously ill person and is needed in case the patient loses consciousness or has a seizure in a public place.
• Disabled persons should always carry a disability ID (Behindertenausweis). The severe disability certificate (Schwerbehindertenausweis – degree of disability over 50%) is issued in two versions: green for regular, and green-orange with special markings allowing free travel on public transport. The companion ID (Beiblatt zum Ausweis des Versorgungsamtes) provides the same benefits as the disabled person, so it must also be carried.
• The pacemaker ID (Patientenausweis ICD – Implantierbarer Cardioverter-Defibrillator) is vital at airports, as patients with pacemakers cannot pass through metal detectors.
Certificate of implant (Implantatausweis), e.g., artificial joint. Upon presenting this document at the airport, the passenger does not undergo standard metal detector screening.
• Diabetes certificate (Diabetikerausweis, Diabetiker-Notfallausweis) is especially important for insulin-dependent patients. Epilepsy emergency certificate (Epilepsie-Notfall-Ausweis). Hemophilia certificate (Hämophilie-Ausweis).
• Stent certificate (Stent-Pass) – a device placed in the lumen of hollow organs to widen a section narrowed by a pathological process.
• Certificate for regular intake of certain medications that cause changes in the patient's body, e.g., blood-thinning drugs Phenprocoumon or Markumar – Markumarausweis.
• Donor certificate (Spenderausweis), containing blood type information.
• Voluntary organ donor certificate (Organspendeausweis). If such a person dies in an accident, this document allows their body to be used for organ and tissue transplantation.