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, i.e. for online identification. 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 electronic residence registration, a nationwide service of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg that is gradually being made available throughout Germany.

Information on registration and the availability of electronic residence registration can be found under "Related topics" and "Further links".

Personal visit

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.

Registration with the electronic residence registration

The authority responsible for you is connected to the online service "Elektronische Wohnsitzanmeldung" and the registration authority has completed the registration process, i.e. a digital confirmation of registration is available for you in the online service.

If you come in person

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

The change of address can also be carried out by an authorized person during a personal visit. The authorized person must present a power of attorney and identify themselves with a personal document (usually an ID card or passport). The document(s) to be changed must be brought along.

When registering with the electronic residence 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. To do this, you must identify yourself again in the online service using your ID card or eID card. The online service can then save the new address on the chip of your ID card or eID card after entering the six-digit Card Access Number (CAN) on the front of the ID card or eID card to the right of the validity date.

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 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.

Further information can be found under "Related topics" under the service "Residence; registration" and under "Related links".

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.

• The following documents in particular are required when changing address or place of residence:
  

  If you come in person

  • Identity card, passport or eID card
  • If 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

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