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Change of name; application

First name and surname can be changed upon request if an important reason can be recognized.

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Procedure details

A first name or family name may only be changed on application, for example, if the bearer of the name has considerable personal difficulties with the name in everyday life and this is not contrary to the public interest.

As the requirements can vary greatly in individual cases, it is recommended that you always seek advice from the competent authority, i.e. the district administration office or the district-free city, before submitting an application. This also applies to the documents to be submitted.

  • You have German citizenship.
  • You are entitled to asylum, a foreign refugee, a stateless person, a homeless foreigner or a quota refugee.
  • You need an important reason for changing your name under public law. This should be described in detail.

Before you apply for a name change, you can submit a preliminary inquiry about the desired name change. This has the advantage that you will be informed by the name change authority about the necessary documents and any chances of success as well as the fees likely to be incurred before submitting an application.

Fees of between EUR 50.00 and EUR 1,500.00 may be incurred for changing or establishing a surname.

Fees of between EUR 25.00 and EUR 500.00 may be charged for changing first names.

No fees are charged for a preliminary request for a name change.

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

For children who have not yet reached the age of majority, the legal representatives submit the application. If a child has already reached the age of 16, they will be heard on the application by the guardianship court.

Administrative court action

  • Married name; declaration

    You and your spouse can choose the maiden name of one spouse, the current name of one spouse or a double name made up of the names of both spouses as your married name.

  • Birth; Display

    The birth of a child must be reported to the registry office in whose jurisdiction the place of birth is located.

  • First names and surnames of children; information on determination
    Every child has a surname (family name) and one or more first names. The family name is generally determined in accordance with the law. The parents or legal guardians are also entitled to choose the first name.
Status: 11.12.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium des Innern, für Sport und Integration
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