Requesting a change of surname for important reasons

If you apply for a name change as a person with limited legal capacity who is at least 16 years old, you will be questioned and heard by the family court about the application.

Persons under guardianship are questioned and heard by the guardianship court.

You can submit the application to your municipal, association or city administration. They are responsible for processing and making the decision.

• German or recognized as a stateless person, homeless foreigner, foreign refugee or as a person entitled to asylum,
• important reason, which is described in detail in the application,
• if you are between 7 and 18 years old: a legal representative who is making the application on your behalf (father, mother, guardian, tutor),
• a statement as to whether a change of name has been applied for previously, if so, when and with which authority and
• for the guardian only: authorization from the family court,
• for the guardian only: approval from the guardianship court.

• Identity card or passport or child's identity card or
• certified copy of the birth entry
• If applicable, certified copy of the marriage entry (marriage entry) or civil partnership entry
• Authorization from the court for the guardian or custodian,
• Proof of the result of the court hearing of the applicant and
• Declaration by the applicant that he/she is aware that the change of name or the rejection or withdrawal of the application is subject to a fee,
• Declaration as to whether a change of name has already been applied for in the past, if so, when and with which authority.

Further documents and evidence may be required in individual cases. Information on this can be obtained from the relevant name change authority.
The documents should be submitted in the original. You will receive them back once the copies have been certified.

The costs are determined according to the administrative effort in each individual case.

• § Section 3 Act on the Change of Surnames and First Names (NamÄndG)