Changing your identity card

Your details:

The details on your identity card must always be up to date.

Data that may change, for example:

• Surname changed following marriage
• Changing the order of first names
• Change of first name(s) following a declaration under the Self-Determination Act

Any changes to the details on your identity card, with the exception of your address or height, will render your old identity card invalid. Unless you hold a passport containing your current details, you must apply for a new identity card or passport.

You should apply for your new identity card at the relevant authority in your main place of residence. This is usually the Citizens’ Office, the Residents’ Registration Office, the Town Hall or the Citizens’ Services department. You may also submit your application at a Citizens’ Office in any other municipality or town, provided you can give a valid reason. Please check with your chosen authority in advance to find out the conditions under which this is possible. An additional ‘non-jurisdiction surcharge’ will also apply.

If you change your address, you do not need a new identity card; you simply need to have your new address stored on the card’s chip and stick a label with your new address over the data field on the back of the identity card. You can do this at the citizens’ office in the town or local authority where your new main residence is located. In some local authorities, you can apply for a change of address online (electronic registration of residence), which means you’ll be sent the sticker with your new address by post and won’t need to visit the Citizens’ Office.