Personalausweis wegen Namensänderung nach Scheidung beantragen

Have you divorced and then changed your surname? Then you must apply for a new identity card if you do not have a valid passport document with the new name.

Your ID card is invalid after a name change. If you have had your surname changed, for example after a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, you must apply for a new ID card.
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.

The period of validity depends on your age at the time of application:

• under 24 years: ID card is valid for 6 years.
• from the age of 24: ID card is valid for 10 years.

You can apply for a temporary ID card at the same time. This is possible if you need an identity document until the new ID card is issued. The temporary ID card is valid for a maximum of three months. You must return it as soon as you have received your new ID card.

• old identity card or passport (with the old name) and, if available, valid passport (with the new name)
• Divorce certificate
• Certificate of the name from the registry office
• Biometric passport photo: From May 1, 2025, only digitally available biometric photos will be used for new official documents. The photographs will either be taken at the authorities or by photographers. This means that citizens will no longer be able to bring their own photographs with them.

The obligation to apply for an identity card applies to you if you

• have German citizenship,
• have reached the age of 16,
• are registered in Germany and
• do not have a valid passport or temporary passport with the new name.

For applications outside your main place of residence:

• You must be able to provide an important reason why you are not applying for the ID card at the Citizens' Registration Office at your main place of residence.

Fee reductions or exemptions are possible for those in need. This is at the discretion of the Citizens' Office.

You can apply for an ID card at the citizens' office at your place of residence, or at your main place of residence if you have more than one residence. You can also apply for your ID card at any other citizens' office. However, you need an important reason for doing so. If you contact your chosen Citizens' Registration Office in advance, you can find out whether and to what extent the Citizens' Registration Office will accept your reason.

• You can make an appointment online, by e-mail or by telephone at many citizens' registration offices.
• When you apply, your Citizens' Registration Office will let you know when you can collect your ID card.
• Your ID card is produced centrally by Bundesdruckerei GmbH in Berlin.
• You can arrange a collection date online, by e-mail or by telephone at many citizens' offices. You can find out what options your local citizens' office offers on their website, for example.

It usually takes at least 4 weeks from the date of application before you can collect your ID card from the Citizens' Registration Office.

You must apply for the new ID card immediately after the name change.
Exception: You have a valid passport document, i.e. passport or temporary passport, with the new name.

• New ID card issued due to name change after divorce
• Data in the identity card must always be up to date
• A new ID card must be applied for in the event of a name change after divorce
• Exception: valid (temporary / regular) passport with new name is available
• Period of validity depends on age:
  • Persons under 24 years of age: 6 years
  • Persons aged 24 and over: 10 years
• Costs:
  • EUR 37.00 for applicants aged 24 and over
  • EUR 22.80 for applicants under 24 years of age
  • EUR 10.00 for the temporary identity card
  • EUR 13.00 surcharge for applications submitted outside office hours or to an authority that does not have jurisdiction
  • EUR 30.00 surcharge for issuance by consular or diplomatic representation abroad
• Processing time: Collection usually possible after 2 weeks
• Responsible:
  • Identity card authority at the main place of residence
  • any other identity card authority

You must apply for an ID card in person at the Citizens' Registration Office.