kaffeemitmilch

  I know, and I agreed with what you wrote.

I guess it depends on the city/state in Germany, and the state in the US. My CT one allows me to drive any non-commercial motor vehicle except for a motorcycle, so the Germans gave it back to me as they couldn't revoke my right to drive the other vehicles while in the US. And, I just renewed my CT DL and they send it to you abroad if you're there temporarily. It cost $72, so that's really pricey, but I decided to keep it (even though I don't really have an address there any more) because if I were to switch back to CA, where I do have family, I'd have a license with basically no reciprocity in most of Europe. CT is better.

  I agree. These countries have no opt-out like the UK and Ireland, so are generally required to follow Schengen rules even though border controls exist as standard, as opposed to being ad-hoc and temporary.

Yes, you can with your residence permit that states you are an EU family member. Print out this page: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/visa-eu-family-residence-card

You have 90 days outside Germany within Schengen, I think. If you leave and re-enter Schengen, though, you'll have a stamp that authorities will generally go by, giving you time in Germany.

They check less when flying - can you try that if you really can't get your passport back?   Also, I've entered Spain and Andorra with just my residence permit (intra-Schengen, though Andorra isn't a part of it). Maybe I just got lucky, but it is possible the French will let you in. But, it would be taking a risk.   With a residence permit of a Schengen member state, you can travel to other Schengen countries without a visa alone. Other countries can choose to allow you in. If you have a residence permit stating you're an EU family member, you can enter Ireland and the UK too.   Here're Ireland's entry requirements: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/coming_to_live_in_ireland/visa_requirements_for_entering_ireland.html

Hmm, the French tend to check often, but mostly on cheaper transport like buses. The Thalys is used by people with more money usually, so chances are lower. Still, France checks more than other countries. I would be wary of going without a passport. However, you could possibly get away with it.

There is no longer a 6 month requirement... the 6 months refers to the time you're allowed to drive on your non-EU license. That's all. You can exchange your DL that was issued before you moved to Germany.

Less cosmopolitan towns like... Frankfurt :)

Does your residence permit state Erwerbstaetigkeit gestattet? Why wouldn't this be enough proof? Worked for me.

I don't think it matters within the EU. You can take her birth certificate along for proof of the familial relationship, and a letter from the mother authorizing you to travel outside the country with your daughter.

The UK officially says that they only accept a residence permit that states the holder is an EU family member, but they are required to, and do, allow close EU family members into the country as long as they are traveling with or joining the EU family member. They may make a fuss, but they must give you a Stamp 1A. The issue arises when airlines refuse boarding to family members because of official UKVI rules, but if you go by train or car, you will be face to face with a UKVI officer, and if they cause trouble, you can show them the freedom of movement rules. You should also have your marriage certificate if the spouse is traveling.   Now, there is a slight chance that your arguments will fall on deaf ears, but this is rare. Here's a good site that explains your rights: https://eumovement.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/no-visa-but-still-want-to-travel/, including a link to the freedom of movement directive.   In the end, the easiest would be to get an EEA family permit, but they are often really slow to process this, and often even reject it. UKVI are a terrible bunch.

Check in - show US passport Passport control - show Kinderreisepass, unless they ask where you're traveling to, and question the lack of the US visa, in which case you show the US passport too Gate - US passport   Returning - you can show the US passport for check in and boarding, but can also just show the German passport as there is no exit passport control   BTW, my daughter is also US-German, and I wanted to get her the Kinderreisepass because it's cheap and instant, and not biometric, but the German mama got her the regular one. I really couldn't find any country that doesn't accept the Kinderreisepass except for the US. So, good on you for getting it. Might as well take advantage. I also don't think the photo needs to be updated before the expiration. If they make it valid for six years, they'll have to accept it for six years, and I think they do in most cases

You can't be denied when you've been given a zusicherung, I don't think, but best you tell them. Would be INSANE if they say you're guaranteed citizenship and then they withdraw.

  I would hope so! Get them the Kinderreisepass if possible, unless you plan on going to the US - keep their fingerprints out of the public sphere for a little bit longer