Self-Determination Act

On November 1, 2024, the so-called Self-Determination Act (SBGG—Act on Self-Determination Regarding Gender Registration) went into effect. It replaces the previous “Transsexuals Act.”

Under the SBGG, it will be easier in the future to have your name and gender designation changed. You can already schedule an appointment for this under the “Official Name Changes” section on the City of Erlangen website.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Self-Determination Act

How can I apply to change my gender designation and first names?

You can submit your application in person or in writing. By law, there must be a three-month period between submitting the application to the civil registry office and the appointment to make the declaration. The declaration must then be made in person at the civil registry office. If no declaration is made, the application becomes void after 6 months.

The application and the declaration must be submitted at the same registry office. The Erlangen Registry Office can be reached by email at: nachbeurkundungen@stadt.erlangen.de

Individuals who reside abroad must register with the civil registry office where they last registered their residence in Germany. The declaration is then submitted at the German diplomatic mission in the respective country.

How much does it cost to change my gender designation and first names?

The declaration at the civil registry office costs €30, or €60 if the parents are involved in the case of minors.

What changes can be made to the gender entry?

The gender entry in the civil registry can be changed as follows: female, male, diverse, or no entry.

What changes are possible for the name?

When changing the gender designation from female to male or from male to female, the first name must be adjusted to match the selected gender designation.

Those who select “male” as their gender designation may choose first names associated with the male gender or names not associated with any specific gender:

• Possible first names include those traditionally associated with males, such as “Markus,” “Stanislaw,” etc., as well as first names that can be associated with either males or females, such as “Eike,” “Toni,” “Kim,” “Kai,” etc., as well as a combination of such a first name with a first name clearly associated with the male gender—i.e., “Kim Markus,” “Toni Stefan,” “Eike Karsten,” etc.
• However, a first name that clearly contradicts the gender designation—such as “Claudia,” “Anastasia,” etc.—would not be permitted, nor would a combination of first names clearly associated with male and female genders, such as “Markus Sabine,” “Stefan Claudia,” etc.

Those who select “female” as their gender designation may choose first names that are associated with the female gender or that are not associated with any specific gender.

• Therefore, first names associated with the female gender, such as “Claudia” or “Anastasia,” are permitted, as are first names that can be associated with both the male and female genders, such as “Eike,” “Toni,” “Kim,” “Kai,” etc., as well as combinations of such first names with first names unambiguously associated with the female gender—i.e., “Kim Anastasia,” “Toni Stefanie,” “Eike Marina,” etc.
• However, first names clearly associated with the male gender, such as “Markus,” “Stefan,” etc., would not be permitted—not even in combination with a first name associated with the female gender, such as “Sabine Markus,” “Claudia Stefan,” etc.

The number of first names does not have to be the same as the previous number of first names. A maximum of 5 first names may be entered. A single-name may be replaced by a hyphenated name.

Those who select “diverse” as their gender designation or have the gender designation removed have a free choice.

What rules apply to minors?

• For children under 5 years of age, the custodial parents or legal guardians must submit the declarations to change the gender designation and first names. The child does not need to be present in person.
• For children between the ages of 6 and 14, the legal guardians or legal representatives must submit the declarations to change the gender entry and first names.However, the minor must be present in person at the registry office when the declaration is submitted and must consent to the change.
• Starting at age 14, the declaration to change the gender entry and first names may be submitted by the minor themselves. The legal guardians (e.g., parents, legal representatives) must consent to the declaration. In principle, the consent of the legal guardians can be replaced by a decision from the family court. Minors must seek professional counseling before the change (e.g., from a specialist in child and youth welfare or a psychologist). At the civil registry office, they must declare that this counseling has taken place.

Can people who are not German citizens have their gender designation and first names changed?

Yes, this is possible if the law of the country of which the person is a national does not provide for such a possibility.

If you have further questions, please contact nachbeurkundungen@stadt.erlangen.de or diversity@stadt.erlangen.de