Have a civil registry record corrected
Correction of errors in a birth, marriage, or death certificate at the relevant civil registry office.
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the appropriate registry office
Including the original document and proof of the correct spelling.
- 2
Review by the Registry Office
The registry office will determine whether this is a clear error.
- 3
Received the corrected document
Free of charge in cases of clear administrative error; fees apply in other cases.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 2 weeks
Official: max. approx. 3 weeks
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Request submitted with a proposed change (instead of a correction)
- • There is no certified documentation confirming the correct spelling
Common reasons for rejection
- • A correction would involve a change to the content (requires a court ruling)
- • No proof of accuracy
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Individuals whose civil status records contain clerical or transcription errors.
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 weeks
Success rate
approx. 85.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Request submitted with a proposed change (instead of a correction)
- •There is no certified documentation confirming the correct spelling
Common reasons for rejection
- •A correction would involve a change to the content (requires a court ruling)
- •No proof of accuracy
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.