In certain cases, your ID card may become invalid before its expiration date. This is the case, for example, if

• the information on the ID is no longer accurate, or
• your photo is no longer clearly suitable for identification purposes. This can be particularly true for ID cards issued to children.

The information may include:

• First names
• Last names
• Eye color
• Honorific or stage name
• Nationality

Exceptions:

• If your address changes, it will simply be corrected.
• If your height changes, your ID card remains valid.

All ID cards feature electronic identity verification (online ID). The online ID function is automatically activated on all newly issued ID cards for individuals over the age of 16. If you set a six-digit PIN of your choice, you can use it to verify your identity with government agencies and companies when accessing online services that require a high level of trust.

• Make an appointment at your local civil affairs office.
  • If you are applying for your ID card at a location other than your primary residence, you must have a valid reason and pay a surcharge on the fee.
• Bring the required documents with you.
• You pay the fee.
• Your fingerprints will be taken on-site solely for storage on the document’s chip.
• You will immediately receive a new one-time PIN and a PUK in a sealed envelope. You can use these to activate the online ID function on your newly applied-for ID card—for example, by setting a six-digit PIN of your choice at home. You decide for yourself when you want to use this option.
• When you apply, your local government office will inform you when you can pick up your ID card.
  • Alternatively, if you are 16 years of age or older, you can have the ID document mailed to your residential address within Germany and have it delivered in person to your doorstep or at a post office.
• If you are changing your name due to marriage, you can apply for the ID card up to 8 weeks before the wedding. It will then be issued to you after the wedding and will be available to you immediately after the name change.

• Validity period: 10 years
  for applicants 24 years of age or older
• Validity period: 6 years
  for applicants under 24 years of age

From the time you submit your application, it usually takes at least 2 weeks before you can pick up your ID card at the Citizens' Office or receive it at your doorstep or at a post office.

• Biometric digital passport photo: taken on-site at the government office or by a registered domestic photography service provider, such as a photographer
• Old ID card, regardless of whether it is valid or has already expired:
• if applying after marriage with a name change:
  • if available: a valid passport bearing the new name
  • If no valid passport bearing the new name is available:
    • Marriage certificate or
    • certified extract from the marriage registry or
    • Certificate of name change
• If applying following a divorce and a subsequent name change:
  • if available: a valid passport bearing the new name
  • If no valid passport bearing the new name is available:
    • Divorce decree or
    • Certificate of Name Use
• When applying after a change to the gender designation and first names under the Self-Determination Act:
  • If available: a valid passport bearing the new name
  • If no valid passport bearing the new name is available:
    • Certificate of Name Use
• When applying following a change to a first or last name for other reasons, such as under the Minority Name Change Act, the Federal Displaced Persons Act, or the Introductory Act to the Civil Code (BGB):
  • If available: a valid passport bearing the new name
  • If no valid passport bearing the new name is available:
    • Certificate of Name Use
• For children under 16 years of age:
  • Parents with custody:
    • Valid identification document (ID card or passport) for each parent
    • If only one parent with legal custody is present: a written consent form from the absent parent with legal custody, as well as a copy of that parent’s identification
  • If only one parent with legal custody is present:
    • Valid identification document (ID card or passport)
    • Proof of custody

• Fee: 27.60 EUR
  for applicants under 24 years of age
• Fee: 13.00 EUR
  surcharge if the application is submitted outside of business hours or at a location other than the applicant’s primary residence
• Fee: 6.00 EUR
  for a passport photo if the agency uses the PointID photo system from Bundesdruckerei GmbH. If the agency uses photo systems from other manufacturers, the fee may vary.
• Fee: 46.00 EUR
  for applicants aged 24 and older
• Fee: 15.00 EUR
  Fee for mailing to your home address