Citizens’ offices that issue ID cards in Germany

Compare photo options, appointments and collection by city

You normally apply for the Personalausweis at the citizens’ office where you are registered, and each city sets its own way of working. Appointment rules, photo arrangements and the handover of the finished card vary from office to office. If you have an old card, take it with you.

About this serviceBrowse offices by city
6 offices in Essen

  • Essen

    Bürgeramt Altenessen

    Altenessener Straße 196, 45326 Essen

    Entry is by stairs and a wheelchair lift that does not suit rollators, so you can pick another Essen branch instead.

    Book an appointmentOffice website+492018833222

    Bring your previous identity card, or a passport or other identity evidence if it is missing. Use a certified photographer’s digital transfer with QR code or the municipal photo station. Printed photos, emailed files and USB images are not accepted. The municipal photo service cannot photograph infants; use a professional provider. Bring required parental consent and clarify first-application identity evidence. Card fee: €46 from age 24, €27.60 below 24; municipal photo capture adds €6. A temporary card costs €10 when appropriate.

  • Essen

    Bürgeramt Borbeck

    Rudolf-Heinrich-Straße 1, 45355 Essen

    Ask about optional home delivery, which is not included automatically.

    Book an appointmentOffice website+492018833222

    Bring your previous identity card, or a passport or other identity evidence if it is missing. Use a certified photographer’s digital transfer with QR code or the municipal photo station. Printed photos, emailed files and USB images are not accepted. The municipal photo service cannot photograph infants; use a professional provider. Bring required parental consent and clarify first-application identity evidence. Card fee: €46 from age 24, €27.60 below 24; municipal photo capture adds €6. A temporary card costs €10 when appropriate.

  • Essen

    Bürgeramt Gildehof

    Hollestraße 3, Erdgeschoss, 45127 Essen

    You can collect a finished card without an appointment, but confirm the collection hours and bring your old document.

    Book an appointmentOffice website+49 201 88-33222

    Bring your previous identity card, or a passport or other identity evidence if it is missing. Use a certified photographer’s digital transfer with QR code or the municipal photo station. Printed photos, emailed files and USB images are not accepted. The municipal photo service cannot photograph infants; use a professional provider. Bring required parental consent and clarify first-application identity evidence. Card fee: €46 from age 24, €27.60 below 24; municipal photo capture adds €6. A temporary card costs €10 when appropriate.

  • Essen

    Bürgeramt Kettwig

    Bürgermeister-Fiedler-Platz 1, 45219 Essen

    The staff take your digital photo during the appointment, and the entrance has a ramp instead of steps.

    Book an appointmentOffice website+492018833222

    Bring your previous identity card, or a passport or other identity evidence if it is missing. Use a certified photographer’s digital transfer with QR code or the municipal photo service. Printed photos, emailed files and USB images are not accepted. The municipal photo service cannot photograph infants; use a professional provider. Bring required parental consent and clarify first-application identity evidence. Card fee: €46 from age 24, €27.60 below 24; municipal photo capture adds €6. A temporary card costs €10 when appropriate.

  • Essen

    Bürgeramt Kupferdreh

    Kupferdreher Straße 86, 45257 Essen

    The building has stairs and no step-free access, so pick another Essen branch if you need that.

    Book an appointmentOffice website+492018833222

    Bring your previous identity card, or a passport or other identity evidence if it is missing. Use a certified photographer’s digital transfer with QR code or the municipal photo service. Printed photos, emailed files and USB images are not accepted. The municipal photo service cannot photograph infants; use a professional provider. Bring required parental consent and clarify first-application identity evidence. Card fee: €46 from age 24, €27.60 below 24; municipal photo capture adds €6. A temporary card costs €10 when appropriate.

  • Essen

    Bürgeramt Steele

    Kaiser-Otto-Platz 1–5, Globus Center, 45276 Essen

    Find it in the Globus Center, reachable by lift, and arrive 15 minutes early if you use the photo station.

    Book an appointmentOffice website+492018833222

    Bring your previous identity card, or a passport or other identity evidence if it is missing. Use a certified photographer’s digital transfer with QR code or the municipal photo station. Printed photos, emailed files and USB images are not accepted. The municipal photo service cannot photograph infants; use a professional provider. Bring required parental consent and clarify first-application identity evidence. Card fee: €46 from age 24, €27.60 below 24; municipal photo capture adds €6. A temporary card costs €10 when appropriate.

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Where to next

German national identity card

For German citizens who need a first or a replacement ID card. See what the application involves and where to apply in your city.

German ID card (Personalausweis)

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