As a German citizen, you are required to have an identity card starting at age 16 if you are registered as having your primary residence in Germany and do not possess a valid passport, travel document, or temporary passport.

You must immediately report the loss of your identity card to a citizens’ office or the police. Failure to do so constitutes an administrative offense. Once you have reported the loss to a citizens’ office, the police will also be automatically notified of the loss.

When you report the loss at the citizens’ office, you can apply for a new ID card at the same time. If you have a valid passport, you do not need to apply for a new ID card.

If you report the loss to the police first, you’ll also need to visit an ID card office to apply for a new ID card.

When you report the loss (to the police or a municipal office), the online ID function is automatically blocked. This ensures that any attempt to misuse the online ID function is detected immediately. Once the function has been blocked, you will not be able to use the online ID function on your ID card.

You can also have the online ID function deactivated yourself by phone.

You can only have the signature function blocked through the provider of your signature certificate.

• You have lost your ID card

You must generally report the loss of your ID card in person. In such cases, the ID card authority will suspend your online ID function upon receipt of your report.

Reporting a loss at the Citizens’ Office:

• Schedule an appointment at the Citizens’ Office. Please check the options available in your region.
• Your online ID function will be deactivated immediately upon receipt of your report.
• If you are unable to get a prompt appointment to report the loss at the Citizens’ Office, report the loss to a police station as soon as possible.

Have your online ID function blocked yourself via the hotline:

• Call the blocking hotline at 116 116. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Enter the suspension code you received with your PIN letter using the phone keypad as soon as you are prompted to do so.
• Your online ID will be blocked immediately.

There are no notes or special features. 

• Appeal.
• Appeal.
  Detailed information on how to file an appeal can be found in the notice regarding your application.
• Administrative court action

You must report the loss immediately.

Your report will be recorded without delay.

You do not need to submit any documents.

There are no costs involved.