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Civil Status

Name Change

Changing a first name or last name outside of the standard legal circumstances (e.g., marriage) through the registry office or the name change authority.

Processing: approx. 2 months
Success rate: 65.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit an application to the registry office

    A written request providing a detailed explanation of the compelling reason.

  2. 2

    Submit documents

    Birth certificate, ID card, and, if applicable, medical or psychological evaluations.

  3. 3

    Wait for the decision

    Processing may take several months, depending on the specific case.

Required documents

  • Birth certificateMandatory
  • Statement of cause for terminationMandatoryOften forgotten

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 2 months

Official: max. approx. 3 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • The explanation of the good cause is too brief
  • • The original birth certificate is missing

Common reasons for rejection

  • • No “compelling reason” within the meaning of the Name Change Act has been demonstrated
  • • Documents incomplete

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

People with a valid reason, such as discriminatory names, a change of given name following adoption, or gender reassignment.

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. approx. 2 months

Success rate

approx. 65.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •The explanation of the good cause is too brief
  • •The original birth certificate is missing

Common reasons for rejection

  • •No “compelling reason” within the meaning of the Name Change Act has been demonstrated
  • •Documents incomplete

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Questions & Answers

How much does it cost to change your name?▼

Depending on the amount of work involved, the administrative fee ranges from €30 to several hundred euros.

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