If your ID card is stolen, you must report it.

You can report the theft of your ID card either to any ID card office—which is usually the city hall or the citizens’ office—or to the police.

If you do not have any other valid travel document and are over 16 years of age, you must apply for a new ID card.

You can apply for a new ID card at the Citizens’ Office in your primary place of residence. You may submit an application at any other Citizens’ Office if you have a valid reason to do so. This may result in additional costs.

All ID cards feature electronic identity verification (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 verify your identity when accessing online services with a high level of trust offered by government agencies and companies. You may use the online ID card after your 16th birthday.

When you apply for your ID card, the fingerprints of both your index fingers are typically stored on a chip in the card. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from this requirement. 

• Your ID card was stolen, and you have reported it.

If you want to report the theft of your ID card:

• Report the theft to an ID card office—usually the municipal office—or to the police. You must file the theft report in person. Many municipalities also offer a digital option for filing a theft report.

If you want to apply for a new ID card after it has been stolen:

• Schedule an appointment at your local Citizens’ Office.
  1. If you are applying for an ID card outside your primary residence, you must have a valid reason and will be required to pay a surcharge on the fee.
• Bring the required documents with you.
• Pay the fee.
• For individuals over the age of 6, your fingerprints will be stored on the ID card’s chip and collected on-site.
• You will immediately receive a new one-time PIN to activate the online ID function on your newly applied-for ID card, as well as a PUK in a sealed envelope. You decide for yourself when you want to use this option.
• When you apply, your local government office will inform you when you can pick up your ID card.
  • Alternatively, if you are 16 years of age or older, you can have the ID document mailed to your home address within Germany and have it delivered in person to your doorstep or at a post office. 

In the event of theft or loss, you can also block the online function of your ID card yourself by calling the blocking hotline. You will need to have your blocking password ready, which was provided to you with the one-time PIN.

There is no legal remedy available.

You must apply for a new identity card as soon as possible after theft, unless you have another valid identity document.

• Validity period 6 years
  Validity period of your identity card if you apply for it before the age of 24
• Validity period 10 years
  Validity period of your identity card if you apply for it at the age of 24 or older

From the time you submit your application, it usually takes at least 2 weeks before you can pick up your ID card at the Citizens' Office or receive it at your doorstep or at a post office.

• Biometric digital passport photo: taken on-site at the government office or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
• Passport, regardless of whether it is valid or has already expired
• If no passport is available:
  • Birth certificate
• If available: police report of loss
• For children under 16 years of age:
  • Legal guardians:
    • Valid identification document (ID card or passport) for each parent
    • If only one parent with legal custody is present: a written consent form from the absent parent with legal custody, as well as a copy of that parent’s identification
  • If only one parent with legal custody is present:
    • Valid identification document (ID card or passport)
    • Proof of custody

A fee reduction or waiver is possible under certain conditions.

• Fee: 27.60 EUR
  for applicants under 24 years of age
• Fee: 13.00 EUR
  surcharge if the application is submitted outside of business hours or at a location other than your primary residence
• Fee: 30.00 EUR
  surcharge for issuance by a non-competent domestic authority if you have your habitual residence abroad
• Fee: 46.00 EUR
  for applicants aged 24 and older
• Fee: 15.00 EUR
• Fee: 6.00 EUR
  for a passport photo if the authority uses the PointID photo system from Bundesdruckerei GmbH. If the authority uses photo systems from other manufacturers, the fee may vary.
• Fee: 10.00 EUR
  for a temporary ID card
• Fee: 43.00 EUR
  surcharge on the fee for issuance by a consular or diplomatic mission abroad