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Applying for an identity card due to name change after divorce

Service Description

Your ID card is invalid after a name change. If you have had your surname changed, for example after a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, you must apply for a new ID 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 need to apply for a new ID card.

The period of validity depends on your age at the time of application:

  • under 24 years: ID card is valid for 6 years.
  • from the age of 24: ID card is valid for 10 years.

You can apply for a temporary ID card at the same time. This is possible if you need an identity document until the new ID card is issued. The temporary ID card is valid for a maximum of three months. You must return it as soon as you have received your new ID card.

Process flow

You can apply for an ID card at the citizens' office at your place of residence, or at your main place of residence if you have more than one residence. You can also apply for your ID card at any other citizens' office. However, you need an important reason for doing so. 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.
  • When you apply, your Citizens' Registration Office will let you know when you can collect your ID card.
  • Your ID card is produced centrally by Bundesdruckerei GmbH in Berlin.
  • 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 their website, for example.

Who should I contact?

You must apply for an ID card in person at the Citizens' Registration Office.

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 or temporary passport with the new name.

For applications outside your main place of residence:

  • You must be able to provide an important reason why you are not applying for the ID card at the Citizens' Registration Office at your main place of 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 the name from the registry office
  • Biometric passport photo: From May 1, 2025, only digitally available biometric photos will be used for new official documents. The photographs will either be taken at the authorities or by photographers. This means that citizens will no longer be able to bring their own photographs with them.

What are the fees?

Fee reductions or exemptions are possible for those in need. This is at the discretion of the Citizens' Office.

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

Surcharge: 13,00 EUR
Payment in advance: No
Application outside working hours or to a non-responsible authority

Surcharge: 30,00 EUR
Payment in advance: No
Issued by a consular or diplomatic mission abroad

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

You must apply for the new ID 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 4 weeks from the date of application before you can collect your ID card from the Citizens' Registration Office.

Legal basis

Author

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Thuringian Ministry of the Interior and Municipal Affairs

Professionally released on

17.10.2024

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)

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