Surname - change on marriage
Your way to the application
As a rule, the registry office of your place of residence is responsible.
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Why should I specify a location?
With the help of the location information, we can display the information, forms and services suitable for you and your responsible office.
Which location should I specify?
For example, your place of residence if you want to apply for a passport or the company location if you want to register a business.
- Identity card
- marriage certificate, if applicable
There are no costs for the determination of the name during the marriage. For the later declaration costs arise, which you will find out at the registry office.
Simply explained
There are many possibilities for determining the name. In some cases there are also particularities to be considered, e.g. for the naming of foreign spouses or if there are joint children born before the marriage. You should therefore seek advice from the registry office in these cases in particular. You can also request an information sheet from many registry offices by telephone or e-mail, or view or print it out from your local authority's website.
As spouses, you can keep your previous names. When the first child is born, you must then decide whether the child is to be given your name or that of your spouse as the name at birth. This declaration then also applies to the other children.
You also have the option, either at the time of marriage or at a later date - there is no time limit for this - of designating the maiden name or the name actually used by your spouse as the married name. The name from a previous marriage, including any accompanying name, can also be considered as the name actually used.
The determination of the married name is irrevocable. Children receive the married name of their parents.
What requirements must be met?
Marriage
Frequently asked questions and answers
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