Where to activate or reset your online ID in Germany

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.

About this serviceBrowse offices by city
1 office in Dortmund

  • Dortmund

    Bürgerdienste – Dienstleistungszentrum Innenstadt (EWO, KFZ)

    Südwall 2-4, 44137 Dortmund

    Choose the PIN or online-function appointment type when you book, then come in person for free help.

    Apply onlineBook an appointmentOffice website+492315029831

    Bring the identity card whose PIN or online function needs attention. If you still know your PIN and simply want to change it, AusweisApp offers PIN management. Tell the counter whether the PIN is forgotten or activation is needed; these are different from applying for a replacement identity card. Before choosing a postal PIN-reset service, check current availability and conditions on the federal service’s website, including any effect on your existing PIN and online-ID function. A postal letter is not needed for a counter reset.

Guides

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Germany

Registration

Digital Government in Germany

What to compare before you set up and use digital identification in Germany

BundID, the online ID function, ELSTER, and Mein Unternehmenskonto are different credentials and accounts. The service you need determines which one works and what evidence proves completion.

BundIDOnline-AusweisfunktionAusweisApp
14 min readRead guide

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The same task in other countries

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Where to next

Help with your digital ID in Germany

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.

Online ID and PIN help in Germany

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