Apply for a new identity card if lost

To apply for a new identity card after loss, proceed as follows:

• Report the loss to an identity card authority, usually the citizens' registration office, or to the police. You can report the loss informally in writing or in person.
• If you want to apply for a new identity card at the Bürgeramt at the same time, you must do this in person and bring the necessary documents with you.
• When you apply, your Bürgeramt will inform you when you can collect your identity card. It usually takes at least two weeks.
• Your identity card is produced centrally by Bundesdruckerei GmbH.
• You can make an appointment to collect your identity card online, by e-mail or by telephone at many Bürgerämter. You can find out which options are offered by your local Bürgeramt, for example, on its website.

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

The obligation to apply for an identity card applies to you if you

• have German citizenship
• have reached the age of 16,
• are registered in Germany and
• do not have a valid passport document, i.e. passport or temporary passport.

To apply outside your main place of residence:

• You must be able to show an important reason why you are not applying for the identity card at the identity card authority responsible for your main place of residence.
• Exception: The temporary identity card cannot be applied for abroad.

• biometric passport photo: The photo must be
  • be up to date and
  • meet the requirements for photos for electronic identity cards.
• if available and not yet cancelled: old passport or children's passport (valid or already expired)
• if no valid passport or children's passport available: birth certificate or marriage certificate
• if available: police report of loss
• for children under 16 years of age: if necessary, a declaration of consent from the custodial parent who is not present
  • if there is only one legal guardian, additionally proof of custody

• EUR 37.00 for applicants aged 24 and over
• EUR 22.80 for applicants under 24 years of age
• EUR 10.00 for temporary identity card
• EUR 13.00 surcharge if application is made outside office hours or not at the main place of residence
• EUR 30.00 surcharge for issuance by consular or diplomatic representation abroad

Fee reductions or exemptions are possible for people in need. This is at the discretion of the identity card authority.

You must report the loss as soon as possible.

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)

29.08.2024