Apply for a change of address on the eID card

If your address changes, you must also have your address changed on your eID card.

As the holder of an identity card or passport, you are obliged to present your document to the identity card/passport authority immediately if an entry is incorrect. This is the case if the address has changed. This also applies to the eID card, which - like the ID card - has a function for electronic proof of identity.

In addition, the address fulfills important tasks for the address confirmation function of the online ID card. So make sure that the current address is stored on the chip. Without the change of address, it may not be possible to use online services or return items may not reach the applicant.

You can change your address in person at the passport/ID card and eID card authority or by registering electronically via the Internet.

Please contact the passport and identity card authorities.

The following documents are required when applying for a change of address or place of residence:

• In case of personal appearance:
  • Identity card, passport or eID card
• For electronic changes:
  • ID card or eID card with activated online ID and the corresponding PIN
  • Suitable smartphone with NFC interface or a card reader
  • Free ID card app from the federal government for the smartphone or PC

If you come in person:

• You have already registered with the relevant registration office.
• As the document holder, you can initiate the change of address in person or through a person with appropriate power of attorney.

For electronic residence registration:

• You initiate the changes in the course of electronic residence registration.

• Opposition
• Action for annulment
• Compulsory action

If you come in person:

• You must appear in person at the relevant passport/ID/eID card authority (municipality, town or administrative community) with the documents.
• You can also have the change of address carried out by a representative in the course of a personal visit. To do this, you must present a power of attorney and an identity document (usually an ID card or passport) of the representative. The identity document to be changed must be brought along.

For electronic registration:

• An electronic change is only possible in the course of electronic residence registration, a nationwide service of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, which is gradually being made available throughout Germany.
• To register electronically, please follow the instructions under "Residence; re-registration - in the Thuringian jurisdiction finder" or the instructions on the website of your new municipality of residence.
• Once you have successfully registered, you will usually receive your registration confirmation as a PDF file to download after a few days.
• You can change the data on the chip of your ID card or your eID card. You will also receive an address sticker by post to update the address on your ID card and, if applicable, passport.
  • ID card: The address is changed on the chip. So that the address is also visible on the card, an address sticker is affixed to the back of the ID card.
  • Passport: The new place of residence is changed directly and visibly on the passport.
  • eID card: The address on the chip is changed. An address sticker will not be sent.
• If the procedure is interrupted for technical reasons or the registration authority cancels the electronic registration during the verification process, you will receive a notification. Please contact your new municipality in person to complete the registration process and to change your ID card, passport or eID card.

You are obliged to register your new place of residence. You have 14 days after your move to do this. The chip should be changed as soon as possible.

In person: Immediately.

Electronic change: The chip can be changed immediately after receipt of the registration confirmation. It takes about a week to transmit the address/residence sticker.

There are no costs.

We recommend that you change your address or place of residence at the same time as registering your place of residence.