1. Child passport: The child passport is the universal travel document for children
until 12 years. You will receive a child passport in the local registration office. A child passport is only valid until the age of 12 years
2. Normal passport for the child (Biometric European passport): The normal
Passport can be applied for regardless of age for children. Some countries require a passport for entry, for example into the USA. A child passport will not be accepted. The passport must be requested at the local registration office. For persons under 18 years of age, however, the written consent of both parents or a power of attorney of the non-present parent is required.
3. Identity card for the child: You also can get a German identity card
for your child. It applies to all trips to countries of the Schengen Agreement as a valid identity document. Basically, it is advisable to apply an Identity card only for children over 16 years.
For children up to 12 years of age the child passport is the cheapest solution.