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 and 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 can be found at Wohnsitz; Anmeldung - BayernPortal at https://www.bayernportal.de/dokumente/leistung/8444082781?localize=false.

If you come in person

You have already registered with the relevant registration office.
The change of address can be initiated by the document holder in person 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.

If you come in person

You must appear in person at 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 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 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 if the registration authority cancels the electronic registration during the verification process, you will be notified of this. Please then 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.

Personal visit: 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.

• When applying for a change of address or place of residence, the following documents in particular are required:
  

  Personal presentation

  • Identity card, passport or eID card
  • If moving abroad:
    • If applying at the German diplomatic mission abroad: Confirmation of deregistration from 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 government ID card app for the smartphone or PC

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