Apply for a new identity card due to name change after divorce

If you change your surname after a divorce, your identity card will become invalid. In this case, you must apply for a new ID card if you do not have a valid passport document with the new name and are registered in Germany.

Your ID card is invalid after a name change. If you change your surname, for example after a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, you must apply for a new ID card.

There is one exception: as long as you have a valid passport document, i.e. passport or temporary passport, with the new name, applying for an ID card with the new name is voluntary.

If your children are also affected by the change of surname, their identity cards and passports with the old name will also become invalid. For children under the age of 16, applying for a new ID card with the new name is voluntary.

You can make the application at your local citizens' office at your main place of residence.

All ID cards automatically have the online ID function. This function is generally activated for ID cards issued from July 2017 onwards. This allows you to identify yourself to authorities and companies for online services with a high level of trust as soon as you have set a six-digit PIN of your choice. You may 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 the chip of the card. Children under the age of 6 are excluded from this regulation.

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

• old identity card or passport with the old name
• if available: valid passport with the new name
• Divorce certificate
• Certificate of the name from the registry office
• Biometric digital passport photo: taken on site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider, e.g. a photographer

• You have adopted a new surname after the divorce.

If you want to apply for a new ID card due to a change of name, proceed as follows:

• You make an appointment at your local Citizens' Registration Office.
  • If you do not apply for your ID card at your main place of residence, you will need an important reason and will have to pay a surcharge on the fee.
• You bring the necessary documents with you.
• You pay the fee.
• Your fingerprints will be taken on site to store them in the chip of the ID document.
• You will immediately receive a new one-time PIN. You can use this to make your online ID function ready for use with the newly requested ID card, for example by setting a six-digit PIN of your own choice at home. You decide yourself when you want to use this option.
• When you apply, your Citizens' Registration Office will inform you when you can collect your ID card.
  • Alternatively, in many cases you can have the ID document sent to your home address by post and handed over in person at the front door.

You must apply for the new ID card immediately after the name change.

Exception: You have a valid passport document, i.e. passport or temporary passport, with the new name.

From the time of application, it usually takes at least 2 weeks until you can collect your identity card from the Bürgeramt.

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)

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)

Für den vorläufigen Personalausweis.: Fee 10,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

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

Zuschlag für Ausstellung 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, wenn Sie über 16 Jahre alt sind.: Fee 15,00 EUR (The amount is to be paid in advance) (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Eine Gebührenreduzierung oder -befreiung ist unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen möglich.: Fee free of charge (Information on cost composition can be found here)

If your ID card is stolen or lost, you must report this to the police. In the event of loss or theft, you can also block the online function of your ID card yourself by calling the blocking hotline.