Name Change; Application

A first name or last name may be changed upon application, for example, only if the person bearing the name experiences significant personal difficulties in daily life as a result of that name and the public interest does not preclude the change.

Since the requirements can vary greatly from case to case, it is recommended that you seek advice from the competent authority—that is, the district office or the independent city—before submitting an application. This also applies to the documents that must be submitted.

• You are a German citizen.
• You are entitled to asylum, a foreign refugee, a stateless person, a foreigner without a home, or a quota refugee.
• You must have a compelling reason for a name change under public law. This reason should be described in detail.

Before you apply for a name change, you can submit a preliminary inquiry regarding the desired name change. The advantage of this is that the name change authority will inform you—before you submit your application—about the necessary documents, your chances of success, and the estimated fees.

If several family members wish to change their last name, each person must submit a separate application.

For children who are not yet of legal age, their legal representatives must file the application. If a child has already turned 16, the guardianship court will hear the child’s testimony regarding the application.

Fees ranging from 50.00 to 1,500.00 EUR may apply for changing or establishing a last name.

Fees ranging from 25.00 to 500.00 EUR may apply for changing a first name.

No fees are charged for a preliminary inquiry regarding a name change.