Service content
Description of the
As the holder of an identity card or passport, you are obliged to present your document to the passport or identity card authority immediately if any of the details are incorrect. This also applies to the eID card, which – like the identity card – has a function for electronic identification, i.e. for online identification. On the identity card, the address is printed on the back of the card and stored in the chip. In the passport, the place of residence is stated; in the eID card, the address is stored only in the chip.
The address plays a key role in the online ID card’s address verification function, so it is important to ensure that the current address is stored on the chip. Without updating the address, online services may not be available, or correspondence may fail to reach the applicant.You can
change your address in person at the relevant passport, identity card or eID card authority, or online via the internet as part of an electronic residence registration – a nationwide service provided by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, which is gradually being rolled out across Germany.Information on registration and the availability of electronic residence registration can be found under "Related topics" and "Related links".
Prerequisites
In-person applicationYou
have already registered with the relevant registration authority.
The change of address may be initiated by the document holder in person or by a person authorised to act on their behalf.Registration via the electronic residence
registration systemThe relevant authority is connected to the “Electronic Residence Registration” online service, and the registration office has completed the registration process; in other words, a digital confirmation of registration is available for you via the online service.Deadlines
as soon as possibleRequired documents
The following documents in particular are required when changing address or place of residence:
For personal consultations
- Identity card, passport or eID card
- When moving abroad:
- When applying at the German diplomatic mission abroad: confirmation of deregistration at the last place of residence
- If applying in Germany: proof of residence abroad
When registering with the electronic residence registration
- ID card or eID card with activated online ID and the corresponding personal PIN
- Suitable smartphone with NFC interface or a card reader
- Free federal ID card app for the smartphone or PC
Costs
none
Legal basis
- § Section 27 of the Identity Card Act (PAuswG)
Obligations of the card holder
- § Section 15 Passport Act (PassG)
Obligations of the holder
- § Section 20 Act on a Card for EU Citizens and Nationals of the European Economic Area with Electronic Proof of Identity Function (eID Card Act - eIDKG)
Obligations of the cardholder
- § Section 19, Section 36c Ordinance on ID Cards, eID Cards for EU Citizens and Nationals of the European Economic Area and Electronic Proof of Identity (ID Card Ordinance - PAuswV)
Change of address
- § Section 27 of the Identity Card Act (PAuswG)
Further links
- The online ID card
- Data in the chip of the ID card
- Data on the ID card
- Passports and identity cards abroad
- New residence registration - New home? Register online now!
- Identity card portal of the Federal Ministry of the Interior - Electronic residence registration
- The online service is already available here - Electronic residence registration - Your municipalities in Bavaria
Procedure
If you come in person
Please present your identity card and, if applicable, your passport or eID card to the relevant passport, identity card or eID card authority.
The change of address can also be made by an authorised representative during a face-to-face visit. The authorised representative must present a power of attorney and provide proof of identity with an identity document (usually an identity card or passport). You must bring the document(s) to be amended with you.
When registering via the electronic residence registration system
: As soon as you have received the registration confirmation as a PDF from your new registration authority, you can change the data on the chip of your identity card or eID card. To do this, you must identify yourself again in the online service using your identity card or eID card. Once you have entered the six-digit Card Access Number (CAN) – which is located on the front of your identity card or eID card to the right of the expiry date – the online service can then save the new address on the chip of your identity card or eID card.Finally, depending on the type and number of changed documents, you will receive one or more address stickers by post to update the address on your ID card and passport. Please affix the sticker(s) to the ID card and passport as described in the enclosed instructions.
If the process is interrupted for legal or technical reasons, or if the registration authority cancels the electronic registration during the verification process, you will be notified. In that case, please visit your new local authority in person to complete the registration and have your identity card, passport or eID card updated.
Further information can be found under ‘Related topics’ for the service ‘Residence; Registration’ and under ‘Further links’.Notes
It is advisable to change your address or place of residence at the same time as registering your place of residence.
If you are deregistering abroad in person, you can change your address/place of residence when you deregister.
Processing time
In person: Immediately.
Online: You can update the information on the chip as soon as you receive your registration confirmation. It usually takes about a week for the address or place of residence sticker to be sent to you.