I just went through the process of applying for (renewing) a German passport and ID card as a dual citizen living in the U.S. and thought I could share a few tips based on my experience.
\– Tip #1 – Jurisdiction matters —
I’m from California but just moved to Illinois and will be back and forth between the two states for the next year for work. I filled out the application with my CA address because it’s a longer-term address, but they shut that down pretty quickly, saying that a consulate only has jurisdiction in certain areas, so I would need to apply in San Francisco.
So be sure to choose the right consulate for the residential address you’ll apply at: [https://www.germany.info/us-en/consulate-finder/895706](https://www.germany.info/us-en/consulate-finder/895706)
\– Tip #2 – Proof of residence —
The website asks for “a US driver’s license or a utility bill in your name” as proof of residence, but I was able to provide a lease agreement.
\– Tip #3 – Name usage —
I’m unmarried, born in the U.S., and haven’t otherwise changed my name, and I didn’t need to provide anything additional for the “Proof of current name usage” requirement (maybe passport and U.S. birth certificate was sufficient).
\– Tip #4 – Records aren’t automatically shared between consulates —
The Chicago consulate wanted a copy of documents that normally you only have to provide on the first time applying for the passport (even though I was renewing), and this is because the consulates don’t share records automatically. The employee mentioned that it’s possible for them to reach out to the other consulate, but that it’s much easier and faster for the person applying to resupply them. (See the [**Passport for Minors**](https://www.germany.info/us-en/service/02-PassportsandIDCards/passport-minor/951296) section of the website).
\– Tip #5 -When in doubt, play it safe with documentation —
My recommendation is that if the instructions on the website are unclear, err always on the safe side and provide as much as possible. They are certainly not afraid to deny applications and tell you to come back in 3 months when another appointment slot opens up, so best to be prepared :-). For me, that meant making extra copies, providing more records than needed, even multiple forms of payment – just in case.
\– Tip #6 – Prepare to pay more than what’s listed on the website —
Due to some issues with snail mail reliability, the Chicago consulate charged extra for 3 pieces of USPS priority mail for the ID + passport and ID e-pin document. These costs weren’t listed on the website, so just be aware you might pay above what they list.
\– Tip #7 – If denied, still try to take advantage of the appointment slot + get contact info —
If for whatever reason you’re turned away, e.g. due to insufficient documentation, the employee will likely try to dismiss you early. I would suggest asking if you can use the remaining appointment time to verify the rest of your documentation so that ***next time*** is smooth sailing.
Also, in my experience, the consulates don’t like to give out contact information (and don’t answer the general email they have set up on the website), but if there’s only one or two small errors in the application, you may be able to ask for the employee’s email address so that you can work with them to submit the remaining documentation without needing another appointment. (Or worst case, to get clarification about the application process for your second attempt).
\– Tip #8 – If you forgot to deregister from Germany (Abmeldung), see if you can do it online –
I believe some cities now support deregistering online, so if you need the Abmeldebescheinigung , you could try it! They should mail you the document. Otherwise, you may have to pay a fee for the consulate to contact the city government to request a copy – or, worse, you might need to make a dedicated trip to Germany just to deregister. (I’ve also heard there are services which can contact the government on your behalf to deregister, but have no experience with those). If you did deregister but don’t have a copy of the Abmeldebescheinigung, the consulate can request a copy from the relevant city government which might cost you extra and delay the process somewhat.