Registration of foreign residential address

If you are not registered in Germany, you can choose between the following options when providing your address:

• Entering your foreign address (presentation of current proof of residence is required)

or

• No residence in Germany (However, this may limit the use of the eID function of your identity card, which requires a valid address for service of service).

Online function of the identity card (“eID function”)

Please read the information on the "Online ID" before applying for an identity card. Familiarization with this information is a prerequisite for the application.

The online ID function can be activated or deactivated at any time, as long as your identity card is valid, at the passport/identity card office of a consulate general or at any identity card authority.

For all change requests that require the entry of the PIN, the applicant must appear in person. This includes, in particular, resetting the PIN (this also includes replacing the initial transport PIN with a new PIN), as well as subsequently activating or deactivating the online ID function.

You can also reset/change the PIN using your own PIN reader at home, if you have one.

PIN letter

Every applicant receives a PIN letter from the Federal Printing Office, which contains the so-called secret number (PIN), the unlocking number (PUK), and a blocking password. Even if you do not intend to use the online ID function, you will receive the letter and should keep it safe.

If you are deregistered in Germany and live in the Netherlands, the PIN letter will be sent to your Dutch address.

Changes to the eID function

Changes to the eID function (e.g., PIN change, change of residence) are only possible by prior appointment. Please book an appointment for this purpose.

Blocking of electronic identity cards

If your ID card with the electronic function activated is lost or stolen, it must be blocked immediately to prevent it from being misused for online identification, even if this would also require the PIN.

In the event of loss or theft, you can have the eID function of your ID card blocked by calling the general blocking number +49 116 116 (not available in all countries) or the blocking number +49 30 40 50 40 50. To block the card, you will be asked for your name, date of birth, and the blocking password.