New residence - formalities completed quickly
Reregistering with the registration office
The law stipulates that you must re-register within two weeks of moving into your new home. Failure to comply with this deadline can be penalised with a fine. To re-register, you usually have to go to the local registration office. Some municipalities already offer the option of online re-registration. The best way to do this is to take a look at the website of your municipality or city.
You need a valid identity card to change your address. It is also possible to present a passport. In addition, your landlord must issue you with a so-called landlord's certificate, which you bring with you to your appointment. This ensures that you have actually moved into the new flat and have provided an authentic residential address.
You will receive a registration form from the registration office and the new address will be entered in your identity card and, if available, in your passport. You should not lose the registration form, you will need it to be able to prove your move to other authorities in the future.
Update vehicle documents in good time
Car re-registration at the vehicle registration office
If you own a vehicle, you will also need to update your vehicle documents when you move. The vehicle registration office at your new place of residence is responsible for this. The deadline here is also two weeks, although regional differences are possible. If you are moving within your current city, it is usually only necessary to change the address in the vehicle documents. A change of city is usually associated with a complete re-registration. This also includes new licence plates for your vehicle.
You will need various documents to re-register. These are first of all your identity card or, alternatively, your passport and the registration confirmation that you received from the residents' registration office. You also need to bring the vehicle registration certificate and the vehicle registration document for your car (registration certificates I and II). If you change cities, you will also need a confirmation card from your car insurance company.
Plan your appointment at the registration office as early as possible, as longer waiting times are not uncommon. In addition, a quick re-registration ensures that your vehicle can be correctly allocated at all times, especially in the event of a road traffic check.
Ensuring seamless supply
Registration with your energy suppliers
As part of your move, you will also need to re-register with your energy suppliers. Depending on the supply situation, this may include gas, electricity and possibly district heating. It is important to inform the relevant providers in good time so that the contract for your previous home can be terminated on time. It is customary to read the meter in the old flat on the day you move out and also in the new flat on the day you move in. You can enter both online with the providers.
If your move involves a change of energy supplier, make sure you register as soon as possible after you move in. This way, you can ensure that your supply is actually uninterrupted. It is also important to adhere to deadlines, especially for gas and electricity, so that you do not inadvertently have to make double payments. In many cases, notifications can be made easily via your supplier's online portal.
Ensure seamless accessibility
Post and telecommunications
When re-registering your new address details, your telephone, internet and mobile phone providers must also be taken into account. To ensure smooth mail delivery, you can place a forwarding order with Deutsche Post. To do this, you inform the post office of your change of address and ensure that letters and parcels are forwarded to your new address for a specified period, either six or twelve months. It is advisable not to initiate the order after the move, but about a week before you change your address. The post office needs a few days' notice if no delays are to occur.
You also need to change your address for telephone and internet. Find out in advance whether existing contracts can be continued unchanged or whether new contracts need to be concluded. With your smartphone provider, an informal change of your current address, which you can make online or in the app, is usually sufficient.
Keep contracts and accounts up to date
Insurance companies and banks
Your bank and insurance providers also need your current address. Take your household contents insurance in particular into account in a timely manner. Current premiums or sums insured often change here due to a change of address or place of residence. The same applies to all other insurance providers you have, such as liability insurance, accident insurance or life insurance. Uncomplicated processing in the event of a claim is normally only possible if a current address is on file.
You must also inform your financial service providers of your new address as early as possible. This will ensure that there are no problems with upcoming payments or the delivery of account statements, a new credit card or other relevant documents.
Although there are no legally binding obligations for the change of address, it makes sense to act as soon as possible after your move to ensure that all contractual services are provided without delay. Thanks to the option of completing the details online, there are no long waiting times.
Inform relevant bodies in good time
Employers and schools
Your employer will also need your new address. This will ensure that you receive all relevant information, especially your payslip, correctly. Some employment contracts state that changes of address must be communicated immediately. In any case, early notification is helpful to avoid any inconvenience. A two-week period is common practice for employers in most cases.
If you have children who attend a kindergarten or school, your new address must also be entered here. It is particularly important for children that you can be contacted immediately by the educational institutions at any time. This will ensure that you are informed immediately if there is anything wrong with your children.
If your move involves new facilities for your children, make sure you contact the new school or kindergarten in good time. This may not involve a change of address, but rather fundamentally new information.
Other offices, such as the BAföG office for students or the university, must also be informed of a change of address.
Conclusion
A successful move is based on four pillars: early and structured preparation, customised packing and logistics solutions, sensitive support for special requirements (senior citizens, barrier-free, company relocation) and seamless subsequent registrations and re-registrations. Sort things out with the 4-box system, use professional materials and clever checklists for stress-free processes. If necessary, involve specialised helpers - such as removal companies, cleaning or clearing services - and take care of all the authorities quickly after moving in: Registration office, vehicle registration, energy supplier, post office, telecoms, insurance companies, bank, employer and schools. This will help you avoid fines, double payments and additional claims. With this holistic approach, your move will not be a burden, but a smooth start to a new chapter.
