Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Apply for a new ID card when it expires

Description

In Germany, you must apply for a new identity card if

your identity card expires,

you have reached the age of 16,
you have German citizenship,
you are registered in Germany and
do not have another valid passport document, such as a passport or temporary passport.

You must apply for your new ID card before the validity of your old one expires.

You can apply at the citizens' office at your main place of residence. If you submit the application to another citizens' office for an important reason, you will have to pay a surcharge.

The period of validity of your ID card depends on your age:

If you applied for your ID card when you were under 24 years old, your ID card is valid for 6 years.
If you applied for your ID card at the age of 24 or older, your ID card is valid for 10 years.

If it is not possible to issue the new ID card within the remaining period of validity of the old ID card, you must also apply for a temporary ID card for the transitional period. A temporary ID card is valid for a maximum of 3 months.

Prerequisites

The obligation to apply for a new identity card applies if you

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

For applications outside your main place of residence:

You must give an important reason why you are not applying for the ID card at the ID card authority that is responsible at your main place of residence.

Required documents

current biometric passport photo
if available: old identity card, valid passport or expired passport
birth certificate or family record book, if applicable

Fees (costs)

Fee: 37,00 EUR
Payment in advance: No
for applicants aged 24 and over

Fee: 22,80 EUR
Payment in advance: No
for applicants under the age of 24

Fee: 10,00 EUR
Payment in advance: No
for the temporary identity card

Fee: 13,00 EUR
Payment in advance: No
Supplement for applications submitted outside working hours or not at the main place of residence

Fee: 30,00 EUR
Payment in advance: No
Surcharge for issue by consular or diplomatic representation abroad

Deadlines

You must apply for your new ID card before your old one expires.

If the validity of your old ID card has expired and you are over 16 years old, you must apply for a new ID card immediately if you do not have a valid passport document.

Processing time

It usually takes at least 2 weeks from the date of application before you can collect your ID card from the Citizens' Registration Office.

Responsible body

Contact the citizens' office of your municipality or city.

Procedure

You must apply for an ID card in person at the 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 a surcharge will be added to the fee. If you contact your chosen Citizens' Registration Office in advance, you can find out whether and to what extent the Citizens' Registration Office will accept your reason.

You can make an appointment online, by e-mail or by telephone at many citizens' registration offices. You can find out what options your Citizens' Registration Office offers on its website, for example.
When you apply, your Citizens' Registration Office will inform you when you can collect your ID card.
Your ID card is produced centrally by Bundesdruckerei GmbH.
You can arrange a collection date online, by e-mail or by telephone at many citizens' offices. You can find out what options your local citizens' office offers on its website, for example.