Apply for a new identity card due to change of name on marriage

After a name change, your ID card is no longer valid. For example, if your last name has changed due to marriage or the establishment of a civil partnership, you must apply for a new ID card. If your children’s last names also change, their ID documents bearing the old name will likewise become invalid. If the children are under 16 years of age, applying for a new ID card is optional and depends solely on whether an ID document is required for international travel.

There is one exception: as long as you have a valid passport document, i.e. passport or temporary passport, with the new name, you do not need to apply for a new ID card.

You can submit the application to your local Citizens' Registration Office at your main place of residence.

If you need your new ID card immediately after marriage with a change of name or after establishing a civil partnership with a change of name, for example for a trip abroad, you can apply for your ID card with the new name at the earliest 8 weeks before the planned date of marriage or establishment of a civil partnership.

If you need an ID document with your new name as soon as possible after getting married and have not yet applied for one, you can first apply for a temporary ID card. It is valid for up to 3 months and is issued immediately.

All standard ID cards include an electronic identity verification feature (Online ID). For all ID cards issued to individuals over the age of 16 starting in July 2017, the Online ID function is automatically activated. If you have set a six-digit PIN of your choice, you can use it to identify yourself to government agencies and companies when accessing online services that require a high level of trust. You may use the online ID card after your 16th birthday.

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