Service Finder
Apply for an identity card due to other name change
Service Description
If your name has changed, your ID card is invalid. In this case, you must therefore apply for a new one.
There is one exception: as long as you have a valid passport document, i.e. passport or temporary passport, with the new name, there is no obligation to apply for a new ID card.
The EU logo introduced on the front of the ID card from August 2, 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: ID card is valid for 6 years.
- from 24 years of age: ID card is valid for 10 years.
A temporary ID card is valid for a maximum of 3 months.
You can submit the application to your local citizens' office at your main place of residence. Applications can be made at any other citizens' office if an important reason is presented. This will incur a surcharge for lack of jurisdiction, i.e. the cost of issuing the card will increase.
Process flow
If you change your name, apply for the new ID card as follows:
- You must apply for your 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 need an important reason. A surcharge will also 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 information on their website, for example.
- When you apply for an ID card, the authorities will check the new name on the basis of the civil status certificate.
Who should I contact?
Please contact the Citizens' 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, passport or children's passport (with the old name) and, if available, valid passport (with the new name)
- Certificate from the registry office confirming the name
- for children under the age of 16: Declaration of consent from the legal guardian
- if there is only one parent or legal guardian, additional proof of custody
- 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?
- Applicants aged 24 and over: 37.00 euros
- Applicants under the age of 24: 22.80 euros
- Temporary identity card: 10.00 euros
- Surcharge for applications submitted outside office hours or to a non-competent authority: 13.00 euros
- Surcharge for issuance by consular or diplomatic representation abroad: 30.00 euros
Fee reductions or exemptions are possible for people in need. This is at the discretion of the identity card authority.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
You must apply for a new identity card immediately after the name change if you do not have a valid passport document (passport or temporary passport) with the new name.
Processing duration
It usually takes at least 2 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)
