Register your place of residence: costs, deadlines, penalties - you have to consider that

If you move within Germany, you have to change your place of residence. You usually have around a week to do this from moving into your new home. It is best to register directly the week after your move.

Change your place of residence: you have to pay attention

You should take the re-registration of your place of residence seriously, otherwise you will have to pay a fine. The penalty depends on the time limits and the respective city, but can be up to 1, 000 euros.

• If you do not live in Bavaria, you have to register in person at the respective registration office. In Bavaria you can also regulate this by post.
• When you change your registration, your new address will be noted on your identity card. If you live in Bavaria, this process will be made up for your next appointment at the public order office.
• If you are unable to register yourself, for example because you are ill or have to work, you can send someone else to the registration office. For this, however, the person needs a written authorization from you, your copied ID card and your own ID card. If you live in Hesse or Bavaria, you must also have this authorization authenticated.
• Since the deadlines for re-registration are not the same for every municipality and every state, you should inquire in advance how much time you have left. It is best to register within one week of moving.

You will need these documents to re-register

The registration office or a community office in your municipality is responsible for the registration. You have to submit various documents:

• Every person needs a document that provides information about their identity: This includes, for example, the ID card or the children's ID card.
• Many cities and municipalities offer documents for re-registration on the homepage. Print this out and fill it out in advance for each person you want to re-register.
• You also need a confirmation from your landlord stating that you really live at this address. There is also the uniform form "Housing confirmation according to § 19 of the Federal Registration Act". Download this from the Internet and have it filled out by your landlord.
• Special documents may be requested in your city or municipality. It is best to inquire by phone if you cannot find any information online.

Costs and more information about changing your place of residence

You usually do not have to make an appointment to register. It is best to come early, because especially in larger cities, you have to expect longer waiting times.

• In most cases, the re-registration is free of charge. However, some cities charge a fee, so you should definitely bring some cash with you. But more than 10 euros are never due.
• You do not have to deregister your old place of residence. It happens automatically. The only exception: you register a second home and do not move into a new home or move abroad.
• If you are already at the local authority, you should have other IDs renewed, such as your passport. This saves you a lot of time and you don't have to go to the registration office again.
• Good to know: If you move with a dog, you must also register it. Ask the municipality whether the residents' registration office or the tax office is responsible. It is usually sufficient to inform the responsible body by email.

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