Applying for an identity card due to name change after divorce

Your identity card becomes invalid following a change of name. If, for example, you change your surname following a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, you must apply for a new identity card.

There is one exception: as long as you hold a valid travel document – that is, a passport or provisional passport – bearing your new name, applying for an identity card with your new name is optional.

If your children are also affected by the change of surname, their identity cards and passports bearing the old surname will also become invalid. For children under the age of 16, applying for a new identity card bearing the new surname is optional.

You can submit the application at your local council office in your main place of residence.

All identity cards automatically feature the online ID function. For identity cards issued from July 2017 onwards, this function is generally activated. This allows you to verify your identity to public authorities and businesses when using online services that require a high level of trust, once you have set a six-digit PIN of your choice. You may use the online ID card from your 16th birthday onwards.

When you apply for your identity card, the fingerprints of both your index fingers will be stored on the card’s chip. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from this requirement.

• Section 9 of the Act on Identity Cards and Electronic Identification (Identity Card Act – PAuswG)

• an old identity card or passport bearing your former name
• if available: a valid passport bearing your new name
• Divorce certificate
• Certificate of name from the Registry Office
• biometric digital passport photograph: taken on the spot at the relevant government office or by a registered domestic photography service provider, such as a photographer

• She took a new surname following her divorce.

If you wish to apply for a new identity card following a change of name, please follow these steps:

• You should make an appointment at your local citizens’ advice bureau.
  • If you apply for your identity card at an address other than your main place of residence, you must have a valid reason and will have to pay a surcharge on the fee.
• Please bring the necessary documents with you.
• You pay the fee.
• Your fingerprints will be taken on the spot so that they can be stored on the chip in your identity document.
• You will receive a new one-off PIN straight away. You can use this to activate the online ID function on your newly applied-for identity card, for example by setting a six-digit PIN of your choice at home. You decide for yourself when you wish to use this option.
• When you apply, your local council office will let you know when you can collect your identity card.
  • Alternatively, in many cases you can have the identity document sent by post to your home address and have it handed over to you in person at your front door.

• Information about the identity card and the online identity card on the ‘Personalausweisportal’ website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI)
• Questions and answers on the subject of ‘biometrics’ and passport photographs on the Federal Ministry of the Interior’s (BMI) identity card portal
• Information about the theft of an identity card on the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland Affairs (BMI) identity card portal

If your identity card is stolen or goes missing, you must report this to the police. In the event of loss or theft, you can also call the card blocking helpline to have the online functions of your identity card deactivated.

• Applying for an identity card following a change of name after divorce in Brandenburg

  Display of performance in the source portal

local identity card authority

• Declaration of authorisation to collect an identity card