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

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

• You have adopted a new surname after the divorce.

• 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 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.

• § 9 Personalausweisgesetz (PAuswG)

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.

25.06.2025