Birth certificate in plain language

The birth certificate is an official document.

The document shows: A person has been born.

You will receive the document after the birth of your child.

The birth certificate contains, for example:

• The child's first name and surname
• The date of birth
• The place of birth
• The names of the mother and father
• Sometimes also the religion
  

Something changes later?

For example, the name.

Or if the father has acknowledged paternity after the birth.

The birth certificate can then be reissued.

• In what form can you obtain the birth certificate?
• Where can you get the birth certificate?
• What do you need the birth certificate for?
• Who can apply for a birth certificate?
• What do you need to order it?
• What does the birth certificate cost?
• Where can you get help?

You can obtain the birth certificate in the following forms:

• normal birth certificate
• international birth certificate in many languages
• in restricted form
• certificate of the time of birth

In restricted form means:

There is a birth certificate with fewer details.

It does not contain any information

• on gender
• on parents
• on religion

Only

• the day of birth
• the time of birth

is stated on the birth certificate.

You can obtain the birth certificate from the registry office.

The registry office of the place of birth is responsible.

You need the birth certificate for example for:

• the child's first passport or identity card
• for the application for maternity benefit
• for the application for parental benefit
• for child benefit
• a later wedding

These persons may apply for a birth certificate:

• the parents
• the person themselves - from the age of 16
• the spouse

Under certain circumstances, these persons may also apply for a birth certificate:

• siblings with a legitimate interest
• direct relatives of the person concerned

For the application you need:

• Your identity card or passport.
  

You can apply for the certificate as follows:

• In person at the registry office. You must make an appointment for this.
  
• Online. This is possible in many cities, but not everywhere.

• You can also write a letter to the registry office
• or an email.

The first birth certificate costs 10 euros.

Each additional copy costs 5 euros.

Do you need the birth certificate for state social benefits?

Then the certificate is free of charge.

Do you have questions about the birth certificate?

The registry office can help with questions.

Don't know which registry office is responsible?

Then search the Internet for:

"Registry office + place of birth".

Or call the authority number.

The telephone number is 115.

You can get information there.