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.
Saarbrücken
Gerberstraße 4, 66111 Saarbrücken
Wednesday mornings are open access, and on other weekdays you book first.
Bring the identity card concerned and ask about any further identification needed. Later activation, PIN changes and unblocking are free. For home use follow the official AusweisApp guidance; ask the office about the appropriate next step if the card is damaged or lost rather than booking a PIN reset for a missing card.
Saarbrücken
Am Markt 1, 66125 Saarbrücken
When you book, say whether you need activation or have forgotten your PIN, then come in person.
Bring the identity card concerned and ask about any further identification needed. Later activation, PIN changes and unblocking are free. For home use follow the official AusweisApp guidance; ask the office about the appropriate next step if the card is damaged or lost rather than booking a PIN reset for a missing card.
Saarbrücken
Kurt-Schumacher-Straße 19, 66130 Saarbrücken
The city requires you to come in person for either activation or a new PIN.
Bring the identity card concerned and ask about any further identification needed. Later activation, PIN changes and unblocking are free. For home use follow the official AusweisApp guidance; ask the office about the appropriate next step if the card is damaged or lost rather than booking a PIN reset for a missing card.
Saarbrücken
Burbacher Markt 20, 66115 Saarbrücken
Meant for German identity card holders from age 16, so ask first if your document is a different one.
Bring the identity card concerned and ask about any further identification needed. Later activation, PIN changes and unblocking are free. For home use follow the official AusweisApp guidance; ask the office about the appropriate next step if the card is damaged or lost rather than booking a PIN reset for a missing card.
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.
Jump straight to another part of the manual.