Apply for a new identity card in case of loss
You can report the loss
- at any identity card authority, usually the local citizens' office, or
- with every police force.
In addition, you must apply for a new identity card if you are over 16 years old and do not have a valid passport, i.e. passport or temporary passport. This is possible at the Bürgeramt at their main residence.
If you do not apply for your identity card at your main residence, you need an important reason. In addition, a surcharge of EUR 13.00 will be charged to the fee. If you contact the Bürgeramt you have selected beforehand, you can find out whether and to what extent the Bürgeramt recognises your reason.
In the event that you find your ID card, you must personally report this to your identity card authority. Only when you have officially reported your identity card as "found" will a corresponding entry be deleted from the police.
If you have not applied for a new identity card, you can continue to use your registered ID card in Germany without restriction until the end of its validity.
Process flow
To apply for a new identity card after loss, follow these steps:
- Report the loss to an identity card authority, usually the Bürgeramt, or to the police. You can report the loss informally in writing or in person.
- If you want to apply for a new ID card at the Bürgeramt at the same time, you must do so in person and bring the necessary documents with you.
- When applying, your citizens' registration office will inform you when you can pick up your identity card. As a rule, it takes at least two weeks.
- Your identity card is produced centrally by Bundesdruckerei GmbH.
- 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,
- are registered in Germany and
- do not have a valid passport document, i.e. passport or temporary passport.
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 identity card authority responsible for your main residence.
- Exception: The temporary identity card cannot be applied for abroad.
Which documents are required?
- Biometrics-compatible passport photo: The photo must
- be up-to-date and
- meet the photo requirements for electronic identity cards.
- if available and not yet validated: old passport or children's passport (valid or already expired)
- if no valid passport or children's passport is available: birth certificate or marriage certificate
- if available: police report of loss
- for children under 16 years of age: if applicable, consent of the parent with custody who is not present
- in the case of only one legal guardian, the additional proof of custody
What are the fees?
Fee: 37,00 EURPayment in advance: NoFor applicants aged 24 and over Fee reduction or exemption is possible for those in need. This is at the discretion of the identity card authority.
Fee: 22,80 EURPayment in advance: NoFor applicants under 24 years of age
Fee: 10,00 EURPayment in advance: NoFor the temporary identity card
Supplement: 13,00 EURPayment in advance: NoSupplement for applications outside working hours or not at the main residence
Supplement: 30,00 EURPayment in advance: NoSurcharge for application at any Bürgeramt by Germans residing abroad
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
You must report the loss as soon as possible.
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
Professionally released on
30.09.2021
Author
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
