Apply for a new ID card if you lose it

If you wish to report the loss of your ID card:

• Report the loss to an identity card authority, usually the citizens' office, or to the police. You can report the loss in person. Many local authorities also offer a digital option for reporting the loss.

If you want to apply for a new ID card after losing it, proceed as follows:

• You make an appointment at your local citizens' 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 for storage in the chip of the ID document.
• You will immediately receive a new one-time PIN to make your online ID function ready for use with the newly requested ID card. You decide yourself when you want to use this option.
• Your Citizens' Office will inform you when you apply 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 if you are 16 years or older.

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

• You have lost your identity card and have reported this accordingly.

• biometric digital passport photo: taken on site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider, e.g. a photographer
• if available and not yet validated: passport
• if no valid passport is available: Birth certificate or marriage certificate
• if available: police report of loss
• for children under the age of 16: if applicable, a declaration of consent from the custodial parent who is not present
  • if there is only one parent or legal guardian, additional proof of custody
• if available: valid or already expired children's passport

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)

If you lose your ID card, you can also block the online function yourself by calling the blocking hotline.

25.06.2025