Surname change child - redetermination of the birth name

You can submit the declaration of name change at any registry office. You must have it certified either by a notary or a registrar. The declaration becomes effective as soon as it reaches the registry office.

You will receive a certificate of the name change.

The marriage register and the birth register are updated.

The registry office is responsible.

• child already has a name
• Joint custody of the parents is only established afterwards
• if the child is 5 years or older: consent of the child

• Birth certificate of child (with official translation if necessary)
• Identity cards or passports
• Marriage certificate or
• Proof of guardianship

In individual cases, further documents may be required. You can enquire about these at the registry office.

The new birth name must be determined within 3 months of the establishment of joint custody of the child.

• § 46 Personenstandsverordnung (PStV)
• § 1617b Absatz 5 Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• § 45 Personenstandsgesetz (PStG)

If you or your spouse or child do not speak German, you must call in an interpreter at your own expense.