Reorder a birth certificate
Requesting a certified copy or transcript from the birth registry at the relevant civil registry office.
How to proceed
- 1
Application at the registry office of the place of birth
Online, by mail, or in person. Please provide your date and place of birth.
- 2
Pay the fee
Approx. €10–15 per certificate.
- 3
Receive a certificate
By mail or in-person pickup.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
3 days
Official: max. approx. 1 weeks
Online application
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • Application submitted to the wrong registry office (the office with jurisdiction is the one in the place of birth, not the place of residence)
- • It is easier to apply for an international birth certificate
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Individuals who need an additional copy of their birth certificate (e.g., for government agencies, divorce proceedings, or pension applications).
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. 3 days
Success rate
approx. 99.5 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Application submitted to the wrong registry office (the office with jurisdiction is the one in the place of birth, not the place of residence)
- •It is easier to apply for an international birth certificate
Common reasons for rejection
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.