Citizens’ offices that set PINs, city by city
Most citizens’ offices, the Bürgeramt or Bürgerbüro, can activate the online function of your ID card or set a new PIN, but they differ on walk-in access and on which cards they handle. Your city’s offices show whether you need an appointment and whether they also take EU eID cards and electronic residence permits.
Bochum
Heinrichstraße 42, Amtshaus Gerthe, 44805 Bochum
Apply in person, from age 16, for a card that proves your identity online but is not an ID or travel document.
Bring your recognised, valid foreign passport or national identity card. Pay the €37 fee when applying. This district counter accepts cash or card. This service is specifically for issuing an eID card, so choose the appropriate separate service if you need a German identity card or immigration document.
Bochum
Carl-von-Ossietzky-Platz 1, Altes Amtsgericht Langendreer, 44892 Bochum
Book an appointment to apply in person, and use the car park behind the former court building to reach the lift.
Bring your recognised, valid foreign passport or national identity card. Pay the €37 fee when applying. This district counter accepts cash or card. This service is specifically for issuing an eID card, so choose the appropriate separate service if you need a German identity card or immigration document.
Bochum
Willy-Brandt-Platz 2-6, 44787 Bochum
Apply in person at an appointment for a card that proves your identity online but is not a travel document.
Bring your recognised, valid foreign passport or national identity card. Pay the €37 fee when applying; Bürgerbüro Mitte accepts card payments only. This service is specifically for issuing an eID card, so choose the appropriate separate service if you need a German identity card or immigration document.
Bochum
Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 7, Rathaus Wattenscheid, 44866 Bochum
Apply in person for a card that proves your identity online, with appointments also offered in English.
Bring your recognised, valid foreign passport or national identity card. Pay the €37 fee when applying. This district counter accepts cash or card. This service is specifically for issuing an eID card, so choose the appropriate separate service if you need a German identity card or immigration document.
Bochum
Hattinger Straße 387, Bürgerbüro neben dem Amtshaus, 44795 Bochum
Reserve a slot online and apply in person, as the booking alone does not send in your application.
Bring your recognised, valid foreign passport or national identity card. Pay the €37 fee when applying. This district counter accepts cash or card. This service is specifically for issuing an eID card, so choose the appropriate separate service if you need a German identity card or immigration document.
Guides
Related services
For people who cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs. See whether the Sozialamt or the Jobcenter is your starting point and how to reach them.
For freelancers, sole traders and new business owners. See how tax registration works, what the Steuernummer is for and which tax office can help.
For people who already live in Germany and move to a new home. See how to update your registered address and which office takes it.
For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.
For anyone moving into a home in Germany from another country. See what the registration involves and which office in your city deals with it.
For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.
Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Madrid, Córdoba, and Barcelona
Most offices in Rotterdam, Groningen, and Nieuwegein
Most offices in Warsaw, Kraków, and Bydgoszcz
Most offices in Sint-Niklaas, Ghent, and Bruges
Most offices in Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Egilsstaðir
Where to next
For anyone who cannot log in with their ID card or residence permit. See what the online ID needs and where to get it activated or reset.
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