Apply for a new ID card due to expiry of validity

If your ID card expires, you must apply for a new one if you are over 16 years old, do not have a valid passport document and are registered within Germany.

You must apply for a new ID card in good time before your old ID card expires. This applies if you do not have any other valid identification document, such as a passport.

You can apply at the citizens' office at your main place of residence. If you submit the application to another citizens' office for an important reason, you will have to pay a surcharge.

If the new ID card cannot be issued within the remaining period of validity of the old ID card, you must generally also apply for a temporary ID card for the transitional period. A temporary ID card is valid for a maximum of 3 months.

Online function of the ID card

All ID cards have electronic proof of identity (online ID card). The online ID function is automatically activated on all ID cards issued from July 2017 for people over the age of 16. If you have set a six-digit PIN of your choice, you can use it to identify yourself to authorities and companies when using online services with a high level of trust. You can use the online ID card after your 16th birthday.

When you apply for your ID card, the prints of your two index fingers are stored on a chip in the card. Children under the age of 6 are excluded from this regulation.

Please contact the identity card authority in your place of residence. If you are resident abroad, please contact the German representation.

• Biometric digital passport photo: taken on site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
• if available and not yet validated: passport or old identity card
• if no valid identity card or passport is available: Birth certificate or marriage certificate
• for children under the age of 16: if applicable, a declaration of consent from the parent with custody who is not present
  • if there is only one parent or legal guardian, additional proof of custody
  • if available: valid or already expired children's passport

• The validity of your ID card is about to expire.
• For applications outside your main place of residence:
  • You must give an important reason why you are not applying for the ID card at the ID card authority responsible for your main place of residence.

You must apply for your new ID card before your old one expires. If the validity of your old ID card has expired and you are over 16 years old and registered in Germany, you must apply for a new ID card immediately if you do not have a valid passport document.

It usually takes at least 2 weeks from the date of application before you can collect your ID card from the Citizens' Registration Office.

A fee reduction or exemption is possible under certain conditions.

for applicants aged 24 and over: Fee 37,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

for applicants under the age of 24: Fee 22,80 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

for the temporary identity card: Fee 10,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Supplement for applications submitted outside working hours or not at the main place of residence: Fee 13,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Surcharge for issue by consular or diplomatic representation abroad: 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, wenn die antragstellende Person über 16 Jahre alt ist: Fee 15,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

If your ID card is stolen or lost, you must report this to the police. You can also block your online ID card yourself by calling the blocking hotline.