Have your identity card changed

If the data in your identity card is no longer up to date, you must have this changed as soon as possible.

The data on your ID card must always be up to date.

Data that may change, for example

• Surname due to marriage with change of name
• Address due to a move to another main residence
• Change of first name(s) due to a declaration under the Self-Determination Act

Changes to the data on your ID card, with the exception of your address or height, mean that you will need a new ID card.

You apply for your new ID card at the ID card office at your main place of residence. This is usually the Citizens' Registration Office. You can also apply at any other citizens' office if you can provide an important reason. Please clarify in advance with the authority of your choice under which conditions this is possible. There is also a so-called incompetence surcharge.

If you change your address, you do not need a new ID card, but the chip on your ID card must be changed and the address field on the back must be covered with the new address. You can do this at the citizens' office of the town or municipality where you have your new main residence. In some municipalities, you can apply for the change of address digitally (electronic registration of residence), which makes a visit to the citizens' office superfluous.

Please contact the identity card authority in your place of residence.

• identity card
• Birth or marriage certificate, if applicable
• Biometric passport photo, if applicable

The identification requirement applies to you if you:

• have German citizenship
• have reached the age of 16
• are registered in Germany

If you have a valid passport and all the data contained in your passport is up to date, applying for an ID card is voluntary.

The following applies to applications outside your main place of residence:

• You must be able to provide an important reason why you are not applying for an ID card at the ID card authority at your main place of residence.
  

If the data on your ID card is no longer up to date, you must have this changed as soon as possible.

The change of address on your ID card is made immediately by the Citizens' Registration Office.

If you apply for a new ID card, it usually takes at least 2 weeks before you can collect it from the Citizens' Registration Office.

A fee reduction or exemption is possible under certain conditions.

Neuer Personalausweis für antragstellende Personen ab 24 Jahren: Fee 37,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Neuer Personalausweis für antragstellende Personen unter 24 Jahren: Fee 22,80 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Zuschlag bei Antragstellung außerhalb der Dienstzeit oder bei nichtzuständiger Behörde: Fee 13,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Ausstellung eines neuen Personalausweises durch konsularische oder diplomatische Vertretung im Ausland: Fee 30,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Gebühr für Passfoto, wenn es durch die Behörde erstellt wird: Fee 6,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Gebühr bei Versand an Ihre Wohnadresse: Fee 15,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Die Änderung der Anschrift ist gebührenfrei.: Fee free of charge

If your ID card is stolen or lost, you must report this to the police or a citizens' office. In this case, the authorities will officially report the online ID card to the blocking hotline and arrange for it to be blocked.