Name changes Steglitz-Zehlendorf

You can find all the necessary information regarding a name change on the following sections.

Legal options for name changes:

German law distinguishes between declarations under naming law and official name changes in accordance with the German name change act (Namensänderungsgesetz).

What is a declaration under naming law?

Change of name after ending a marriage / civil partnership:

If the marriage was dissolved due to divorce or the death of the spouse, you can revert to your birth name or a previously used surname.

Change of name during the existence of a marriage / civil partnership:

If you did not choose a married name when you got married, it is possible to make such a declaration once the marriage has been concluded. Furthermore, the person whose name has not become the married name can append or prefix their birth name or a previous surname to the married name. The use of a double name can also be revoked.

First name listing:

German nationals who use their name under German law and have several first names have the option of changing the order of their first names by submitting a declaration to the registry office.

Change of gender:

Persons with variants of gender development can declare to the registry office that the indication of their gender in a German civil status entry should be replaced by another designation (“female”, “male”, “diverse”) or deleted altogether.

Declaration of harmonisation:

If a person has acquired their name under foreign law and the name is now based on German law (e.g. after naturalisation), the name can be adapted to German law by making a declaration to the registry office.

For further information and to make an appointment, please use the link to our contact form. (Please note: The form is in German.)

What is an official name change (change of name under public law)?

In addition to the options under civil status law for a name change (declaration under name law), every German citizen can have their first name and surname changed in accordance with the law on changing surnames and first names. The change of name under public law has an exceptional character. The application must be submitted to the competent authority at your place of residence. To apply to the Registry Office Steglitz-Zehlendorf in Berlin, you must be registered in the local district. There must be an important reason for the change of first name and/or surname which justifies the change. The application is subject to a fee. The amount of the fee depends on your income and the administrative costs.

For further information and to make an appointment, please use the link to our contact form. (Please note: The form is in German.)