Identity card, passport and eID card; applying for a change of address or place of residence

As the holder of an ID card or passport, you are obliged to present your document to the passport or ID card authority immediately if an entry is incorrect. This also applies to the eID card, which - like the ID card - has a function for electronic proof of identity. On the ID card, the address is stored on the back of the card and in the chip. In the passport, the place of residence is indicated, in the eID card the address is only stored in the chip.

The address is important for the address confirmation function of the online ID card, so it is important to ensure that the current address is stored on the chip. Without the change of address, online services may not be able to be used or returns may not reach the applicant.

You can change your address in person at the relevant passport and ID card or eID card authority or online via the Internet as part of an electronic application.

In person at the municipality

Please present your identity card and, if applicable, your passport or eID card to the passport/identity card authority or eID card authority responsible for you.

Electronic change

An electronic change is only possible in the course of electronic residence registration (see www. wohnsitzanmeldung.gov.de and https://www.personalausweisportal.de/Webs/PA/DE/buergerinnen-und-buerger/elektronische-wohnsitzanmeldung/elektronische-wohnsitzanmeldung-node.html), a nationwide service of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, which is gradually being made available throughout Germany.

Further information is available at Residence; Registration - BayernPortal at https://www.bayernportal.de/dokumente/leistung/8444082781?localize=false.

If you come in person

You have already registered with the relevant registration authority.
The change of address can be initiated by the document holder personally or by a person with appropriate power of attorney.

For electronic changes

You initiate the changes via the "Electronic residence registration" online service, provided that the authority responsible for you is connected to this online service.

Personal consultation

• 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

Electronic change

• 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

none

• § Section 27 of the Identity Card Act (PAuswG)

  Obligations of the ID 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

• § 19, § 36c Ordinance on Identity Cards, eID Cards for EU Citizens and Nationals of the European Economic Area and Electronic Proof of Identity (Identity Card Ordinance - PAuswV)

  Change of address

• 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 - Identity card
• The online service is already available here - Electronic residence registration - Your municipalities in Bavaria

If you come in person

You must go in person to the relevant passport, ID card or eID card authority (municipality, city or administrative community) with the documents to be changed. The change of address can also be made by an authorized person during a personal visit.

The authorized person must present a power of attorney and identify themselves with an identity document (usually an ID card or passport). The personal document(s) to be changed must be brought along.

For electronic registration

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 ID card or your eID card. You will also receive an address sticker by post to update the address on your ID card and passport.

• To register electronically, please follow the instructions under "Residence; Registration - in the BayernPortal"(https://www.bayernportal.de/dokumente/leistung/8444082781?localize=false) or the instructions on the website of your new municipality of residence. Once you have successfully registered, you will usually receive your registration confirmation as a PDF file to download after a few days. Once you have completed the registration process, you will need to update your ID card and passport to include your new address or place of residence. This also applies to the eID card.
• After you have re-identified yourself with your ID card or eID card, the online service can save the new address on the chip of your ID card or eID card. You will also receive an address sticker/residence sticker by post, which you should affix to your ID card and passport in accordance with the instructions sent to you.

If the procedure is interrupted for legal or technical reasons or the registration authority cancels the electronic registration during the verification process, you will receive a notification. Please visit your new municipality in person to complete the registration process and have your ID card, passport or eID card changed.

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.

In person: Immediately.

Electronic change: The data on the chip can be changed immediately after receipt of the registration confirmation. Sending the address or residence sticker usually takes about a week.