Apply for a new identity card if you lose it

You can report the loss of your identity card

• at any identity card authority, usually the local citizens' office, or
• the police.

You must also apply for a new identity card if you

• are over 16 years old, are registered in Germany and
• do not have a valid passport document, i.e. a passport or temporary passport.

You can apply for a new identity card at the Citizens' Registration Office at your main place of residence.

All ID cards automatically have the online ID function. This function is generally activated on ID cards issued from July 2017. This allows you to identify yourself to authorities and companies for online services with a high level of trust as soon as you have set a six-digit PIN of your choice. You can use the online ID card after your 16th birthday.

When you apply for your ID card, the prints of your two index fingers are stored on the chip of the card. Children under the age of 6 are excluded from this regulation.

In the event that you find your identity card again, you must report this personally to your identity card authority. Only then will an entry with the police be deleted.

If you have not applied for a new ID card, you can continue to use your ID card that has been reported as recovered within Germany without restriction until it expires.