Applying for an identity card due to name change after divorce
After a name change, your identity card is invalid. For example, if you have had your surname changed after a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, you must apply for a new identity card.
There is one exception: As long as you have a valid passport document, i.e. passport or temporary passport, with the new name, you do not have to apply for a new identity card.
The EU logo on the front of the identity card, introduced from 2 August 2021, does not invalidate ID cards without this logo.
The period of validity depends on your age at the time of application:
- under 24 years: Identity card is valid for 6 years.
- from 24 years: Identity card is valid for 10 years.
A temporary identity card is valid for a maximum of 3 months.
You can submit the application to your Bürgeramt at your main residence. Applications to any other citizens' office are possible if an important reason is presented. There is a non-jurisdiction surcharge, i.e. the costs of the exhibition increase.
Process flow
You can apply for an identity card at the Bürgeramt at your place of residence, or if there are several residences at your main residence. You can also apply for your identity card at any other citizens' office. But you need an important reason for this. If you contact the Bürgeramt you have selected beforehand, you can find out whether and to what extent the Bürgeramt recognises your reason.
- At many citizens' offices, you can make an appointment online, by e-mail or by phone. You can find out what options your Bürgeramt offers, for example, on its website.
- When applying, your citizens' registration office will inform you when you can pick up your identity card.
- Your identity card is produced centrally by Bundesdruckerei GmbH in Berlin.
- At many citizens' offices, you can arrange a pick-up appointment online, by e-mail or by telephone. You can find out what options your Bürgeramt offers, for example, on its website.
Requirements
The obligation to apply for an identity card applies to you if you:
- have German citizenship,
- have reached the age of 16 and
- are registered in Germany,
- do not have a valid passport or temporary passport with the new name.
For applications outside your main residence:
- You must be able to explain an important reason why you do not apply for the identity card at the Bürgeramt at your main residence.
Which documents are required?
- old identity card or passport (with the old name) and, if available, valid passport (with the new name)
- Divorce certificate
- Certificate of naming from the registry office
- Biometrics-compatible passport photo: The photo must
- be up-to-date and
- meet the photo requirements for electronic identity cards.
What are the fees?
- EUR 37.00 for applicants aged 24 and over
- EUR 22.80 for applicants under 24 years of age
- EUR 10.00 for the temporary identity card
- EUR 13.00 surcharge for applications outside working hours or for non-competent authorities
- EUR 30.00 surcharge for application at any Bürgeramt by Germans residing abroad
Fee reduction or exemption is possible for those in need. This is at the discretion of the Bürgeramt.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
You must apply for the new identity card immediately after the name change.
Exception: You have a valid passport document, i.e. passport or temporary passport, with the new name.
Processing duration
It usually takes at least 2 weeks from the date of application until you can pick up your identity card at the Bürgeramt.
Legal basis
Technically approved by
Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior and Sport
Author
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
