More services available without appointment at citizens' offices

Citizens' offices in Berlin will offer certain services even without an appointment. (Archive image)

Berlin residents no longer need to make an appointment at the citizens' office for a range of administrative services.

For example, anyone who needs a registration certificate or a certificate of good conduct can now do so spontaneously, according to the Senate Chancellery. 

Appointment-free offers now available throughout Berlin

Address changes in vehicle registration documents or setting up the online ID function are also possible without an appointment. Anyone who wants to pick up their passport, ID card, or driver's license can now do so anywhere in Berlin without an appointment. This service was already available in some citizens' offices, as Sebastian Christ, spokesperson for digitalization and administrative modernization in the Senate Chancellery, explained.

Expect waiting times without an appointment

According to the information provided, in future there will be a uniform range of services available in all districts, both with and without appointment. If in individual cases it is not possible to process a request immediately, an appointment should be arranged as quickly as possible. As a general rule, anyone who comes to the citizens' office without an appointment should expect a certain waiting time.

Expansion of digital offerings is progressing

"With this new offering, we are creating even more flexibility for everyone who needs a service from the citizens' office," said Martina Klement, State Secretary for Administrative Modernization. "This means that Berliners can now decide for themselves whether they would prefer to book an appointment or visit the Bürgeramt office spontaneously for certain services." At the same time, the expansion of digital services is to continue. More than 400 services are already available online in Berlin via the Service Portal (in German).