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.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Name Change mit dem zuständigen Standesamt in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Name Change.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
Birth certificate · Statement of cause for termination
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
In person or by post at the office
- 4
Costs
30 € und mehreren Hundert Euro Verwaltungsgebühr
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the registry office
A written request providing a detailed explanation of the compelling reason.
- 2
Submit documents
Birth certificate, ID card, and, if applicable, medical or psychological evaluations.
- 3
Wait for the decision
Processing may take several months, depending on the specific case.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
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
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.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Bundesportal (verwaltung.bund.de)
- Data quality
- 100 %