As a German citizen, you are required to have an identity card from the age of 16 if you are registered with your main residence in Germany and do not have a valid passport, travel document, or temporary passport.

You must report the loss of your identity card immediately 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.

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

If you report the loss to the police first, you must also visit an identity card authority to apply for a new identity card.

When you report the loss (to the police or citizens' office), the online ID function is also automatically blocked. This ensures that any attempt to misuse the online ID function is detected immediately. Once blocked, it is not possible to use the online ID function of your identity card.

You can also have the online ID card blocked yourself by telephone.

You can only arrange for the signature function to be blocked by the provider of your signature certificate.

• Your identity card has been lost

As a rule, you must report the loss of your identity card in person. In such cases, the identity card authority will block your online ID function after receiving your report.

Reporting loss at the citizens' office:

• Make an appointment at the citizens' office. Please find out about the options available in your region.
• Your online ID function will be blocked immediately after your report is received.
• If you cannot get an appointment at the citizens' office to report the loss in a timely manner, 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 blocking password that you received with your PIN letter using the telephone keys when prompted.
• Your online ID card will be blocked immediately.

There are no notes or special features. 

• Objection.
• Appeal.
  Detailed information on how to lodge an appeal can be found in the decision on 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.