Family name change based on the declaration of displaced persons, ethnic German repatriates, their spouses and descendants

Source: BUS Rheinland-Pfalz

As a displaced person or ethnic German resettler, you, your spouse or your descendants can discard parts of your previous name if these are not common in Germany. You can also adopt the original form of a modified name. This applies to names that have been modified according to gender or relationship.

You can also adopt German-language forms of your first name or family name. If such German-language forms do not exist, you can also adopt new first names.

If you are married, you can also choose a joint surname or adopt a German translation of your surname.

You can submit the name declaration to the Federal Office of Administration in the distribution procedure or to the registry office. If it is a declaration in connection with the birth of a child, the registry office that keeps the register of births is responsible.

If you wish to make a declaration of a joint married name, the registry office that keeps the marriage register is responsible. In all other cases, the registry office at your place of residence is responsible.

Family name change based on the declaration of displaced persons, ethnic German repatriates, their spouses and descendants

Who should I contact?

Requirements

Which documents are required?

What are the fees?

Legal basis

What else should I know?