Identity card, passport and eID card; applying for a change of address or place of residence

If you move, you are obliged to have your ID card, passport or eID card (for EU nationals) updated.

As the holder of an ID card or passport, you are obliged to present your document to the identity/passport authority immediately if an entry is incorrect. 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 it is important to ensure that the current address is stored on the chip. Without the change of address, online services may not be able to be used or any returns may not reach the applicant.

You can change your address in person at the passport/ID card and eID card authority (municipality, city or administrative community) or by registering electronically via the Internet.

1. in person at the municipality

Please present your identity card and, if applicable, your passport or eID card at the passport/identity card/eID card authority responsible for you.

2. electronic change:

An electronic change is only possible in the course of electronic residence registration (see www.wohnsitzanmeldung.de and at www.personalausweisportal.de), a nationwide service of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg that is gradually being made available throughout Germany.

• To register electronically, please follow the instructions under "Residence; Registration - in the BayernPortal" 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. Once you have completed the registration process, you will need to update your ID card and passport (if you have one) to include your new address or place of residence. This also applies to the eID card.
• To do this, you must identify yourself again with your ID card or eID card so that the online service can then save the new address on the chip of your ID card or eID card. This is possible using the six-digit Card Access Number (CAN) printed on the front of the ID card and eID card to the right of the expiry date. In addition, an address sticker/residence sticker is sent by post, which must be affixed to the ID card and, if applicable, passport in accordance with the instructions provided.
• If the procedure is interrupted for technical reasons or the registration authority cancels the electronic registration during the verification process, you will be notified of this. Please contact your new municipality in person to complete the registration process and to change your ID card, passport or eID card.

• In particular, the following documents are required:

  1. if you come in person:

  • Identity card, passport or eID card
  • When moving abroad:
    • If applying at the German diplomatic mission abroad: confirmation of deregistration from the last place of residence
    • If applying in Germany: proof of residence abroad

  2. 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 federal government ID card app for the smartphone or PC

1. if you come in person:

You have already registered with the relevant registration authority.
The document holder or a person with appropriate power of attorney can initiate the change of address in person.

2. in the case of electronic changes:

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

1. if you come in person:

You must go in person to 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. The representative must present a power of attorney from you and identify themselves with their identity document (usually an ID card or passport). The identity document to be changed must be brought along.

2. for electronic registration:

As soon as you have received the registration confirmation as a PDF from your new registration authority, you can change the data on the chip of your ID card or eID card using the Card Access Number (CAN) contained on the front of the document. You will also receive an address sticker by post to update the address on your ID card and, if applicable, passport.

Identity card

• The address is changed on the chip. To ensure 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.

In person: Immediately.

Electronic change: The chip can be changed immediately after receipt of the registration confirmation. The transmission of the address/residence sticker takes about one week.

none

It is advisable to change your address or place of residence at the same time as registering your place of residence.

If you are deregistering abroad in person, you can change your address/place of residence when you deregister.