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.
Essen
Altenessener Straße 196, 45326 Essen
A forgotten PIN or switched-off online ID needs a booked appointment, and none are given at the counter.
Bring the identity card whose PIN or online function needs attention. This appointment restores identification access; applications such as an address change must still be completed separately.
Essen
Rudolf-Heinrich-Straße 1, 45355 Essen
Book a visit to get a forgotten PIN reset or your online ID reactivated, at an office with step-free access.
Bring the identity card whose PIN or online function needs attention. This appointment restores identification access; applications such as an address change must still be completed separately.
Essen
Hollestraße 3, Erdgeschoss, 45127 Essen
Drop in without an appointment to reset your PIN or activate your online ID, handy for services like online address registration.
Bring the identity card whose PIN or online function needs attention. This appointment restores identification access; applications such as an address change must still be completed separately.
Essen
Bürgermeister-Fiedler-Platz 1, 45219 Essen
Book a visit to reset a forgotten PIN or reactivate your online ID, with a ramp at the entrance.
Bring the identity card whose PIN or online function needs attention. This appointment restores identification access; applications such as an address change must still be completed separately.
Essen
Kupferdreher Straße 86, 45257 Essen
Book a visit for a PIN reset or reactivation, and choose another Essen branch if you need step-free access.
Bring the identity card whose PIN or online function needs attention. This appointment restores identification access; applications such as an address change must still be completed separately.
Essen
Kaiser-Otto-Platz 1–5, Globus Center, 45276 Essen
Book a visit to reset a forgotten PIN or reactivate your online ID, in the Globus Center with lift access.
Bring the identity card whose PIN or online function needs attention. This appointment restores identification access; applications such as an address change must still be completed separately.
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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