Name Change 2026 — Compound Surname, Costs & Process

CostsDeclaration at the registry office: from €25.00Public-law: local authority framework fee, €2.50–1,500.00

Processing timeDeclaration: effective upon recordingPublic-law: dependent on the competent authority

MethodIn person, with public certificationRegistry office or competent administrative authority

Naming law reform

What changed on 1 May 2025

The genuine compound surname as a married name

Genuine compound surname

The married name can be formed from the names of both spouses (§ 1355 (2) no. 3 BGB). Both carry it jointly.

Hyphen optional

The names are joined with a hyphen unless the spouses determine otherwise — so it is also possible without a hyphen.

No more than two names

A newly formed compound surname may consist of no more than two individual names. The law does not provide for three components.

Also for existing marriages

Determining the married name is not tied to the wedding and can be done at any later time.

Up to 30 April 2025, the rule was: spouses had to choose one family name as their married name; anyone who did not want to give up their own name could only put it in front of or behind the married name as an accompanying name — and only for themselves. A joint family name composed of both names was excluded. That is precisely what the reform changed: if Ms Müller and Mr Schmidt marry, since 1 May 2025 they can determine "Müller-Schmidt" or "Schmidt-Müller" — on request also without a hyphen — as a joint married name. The compound surname is then the married name of both and is no longer carried by just one person.

Two limits remain: first, the newly formed compound surname may consist of no more than two individual names. Anyone who already carries a multiple name must therefore select one of those names to form the married name. Second, an additional accompanying name under § 1355 (3) BGB is only possible if the married name consists of a single name — otherwise a three-part name would result, which the law does not provide for. Anyone who still prefers the classic solution can choose it unchanged: the married name is the birth name or the family name carried by one spouse, and the other spouse places their own name before or after it as an accompanying name.

The reform goes beyond the law on married names. It has made name changes easier for stepchildren and children of divorce, so that a child can more easily adapt its name to that of the family or drop it again after a separation — the registry office clarifies the details and the declarations required; for children, see also our page on name declaration for a child. International naming law has also changed: since 1 May 2025, German naming law is in principle applicable to all persons who have their habitual residence in Germany, regardless of their nationality. This means the new options are also open to married couples without a German passport.

Required documents

What you need to bring

Valid identity card or passport (original)

Anyone making a declaration regarding the use of a name must identify themselves in person — recording or public certification requires their identity to be established beyond doubt. Copies, photos on a smartphone and expired documents are not accepted; the appointment then ends with no result. If both spouses submit their declaration together, each needs their own valid document.

Marriage certificate (Eheurkunde) or certified extract from the marriage register

Proof of the marriage is the basis of every declaration on the married name and the accompanying name. The registry office that recorded the marriage is responsible for issuing it; you can also request the marriage certificate there afterwards. If the marriage took place abroad, registry offices generally require the foreign document together with a certified translation and — depending on the state — an apostille or legalisation; which form is sufficient is dependent on the competent authority.

Birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde) or certified copy from the register of births

The birth certificate proves your birth name — and thus the name that can be considered as a married name or accompanying name in the first place. You obtain it from the registry office of the place of birth; for a name change, the certified copy from the register of births is often the better choice, because it shows all later name changes as marginal notes. Request the document early: processing and postal delivery take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the registry office. For how to do this, see our page on the birth certificate.

Divorce order with certificate of finality or death certificate (Sterbeurkunde)

Anyone who wants to return to their birth name after a divorce must prove that the marriage was finally dissolved — a bare order without a certificate of finality is not sufficient. The family court that pronounced the divorce issues the certificate. Widowed persons submit the death certificate of the spouse instead, issued by the registry office of the place of death.

Declaration or application form

Every registry office provides its own form for the declaration regarding the use of a name, which is usually available for download on the local authority's administrative portal. It is only signed at the appointment before the officiating person, because the signature is the subject of the public certification. A separate application form from the competent administrative authority exists for the public-law name change.

Written statement of reasons with evidence (public-law only)

The public-law name change is only granted where there is an important reason — and you must prove it, not merely claim it. Depending on the circumstances, medical or psychotherapeutic statements, letters from authorities and employers concerning repeated mix-ups, proof of naturalisation, or evidence of the actual use of the name in everyday life may be considered. Without meaningful documents, the application is rejected, and the fee may still be charged.

Additional evidence depending on the authority

For the public-law name change, many administrative authorities require supplementary documents, such as a current registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), a certificate of good conduct, or information from the register of debtors, to rule out abuse to the detriment of creditors. Which evidence is specifically requested is dependent on the competent authority — ask for the list in writing before the appointment. You apply for a certificate of good conduct (Führungszeugnis) at the Bürgeramt (citizens' office) or online at the Federal Office of Justice.

Documents and consents for children

If the name change is to extend to a child, their birth certificate and proof of custody must also be submitted; if parental custody is held by both parents, the consent of the other parent is generally required as well. Older children must themselves consent to the name change or make their own declaration. The registry office checks in advance which declarations are required at the specific age — clarify this before the appointment, or a signature will be missing at the end.

Step by step

How to proceed

1
Determining the legal route: declaration or public-law application
First establish whether your matter can be resolved under family law. Everything connected with marriage, divorce, widowhood or the naming of children runs via the registry office as a declaration under § 1355 BGB — quick, with a fixed fee and without any discretionary decision. Only if there is no family-law ground does the public-law name change under the Name Change Act come into consideration; it is subordinate to the family-law route and requires an important reason. Anyone who chooses the wrong route loses weeks and may pay a fee for an application that is rejected on purely formal grounds.
2
Setting the desired form of the name
Decide on the specific name variant before booking the appointment — there is no time for this at the recording appointment itself. Under § 1355 (2) BGB, the following can be considered as the married name: the birth name of a spouse, the family name carried by a spouse at the time of the declaration, or — since 1 May 2025 — a compound surname formed from the names of both spouses. At the same time, decide on the order and on whether the compound surname is written with a hyphen: unless determined otherwise, the law joins the names with a hyphen. Also check whether an additional accompanying name is desired — it is only possible if the married name consists of a single name.
3
Identifying the competent body
The registry office is responsible for every declaration regarding the use of a name: either the registry office that recorded the marriage, or — for subsequent declarations — generally also the registry office of your place of residence, which accepts and forwards the declaration. For the public-law name change, on the other hand, jurisdiction is governed by state law and is not uniform: in Berlin the district registry offices decide, in many territorial states the lower administrative authority or the public order office or citizens' office — in Stralsund, for example, the Ordnungsamt (public order office), registration section. So look up the service on your city's or district's administrative portal rather than relying on general information.
4
Booking an appointment and obtaining the documents in good time
Only book the appointment once the process of obtaining the documents has been set in motion — civil status documents from other cities take time, and foreign documents with translation and apostille often take several weeks. If in doubt, request a certified copy from the register of births instead of a simple birth certificate, because it contains marginal notes on earlier name changes. At the same time, ask the registry office in writing which documents are required for your case and whether both spouses must appear in person. An appointment without complete documents is cancelled and has to be rearranged.
5
Having the declaration recorded or publicly certified
The declaration regarding the use of a name is subject to formal requirements: if it is not made directly at the marriage, it must be publicly certified — by the registry office or a notary. An informal letter, an email or a form signed by yourself are not sufficient and do not trigger any legal effect. It is therefore only signed before the officiating person. Once recorded, the declaration takes effect; the registry office enters the new use of the name in the civil status registers and, on request, issues you with a certificate of the name change, which you will need for all further administrative procedures.
6
Giving reasons for and submitting the public-law application
On the route via the Name Change Act, the statement of reasons is the heart of the procedure. Describe the important reason specifically and support it with documents — generic statements such as "I don't like the name" lead to rejection. The authority examines whether your interest in the change outweighs the public interest in retaining the previous name; in doing so, it usually obtains statements, for example from the registry office, the registration authority or the public prosecution office. The decision is made by official notice (Bescheid), against which you have recourse to the courts. There is no statutory processing deadline; the duration is dependent on the competent authority.
7
Paying the fee — and applying for a reduction in good time
The declaration at the registry office is charged according to the local fee ordinance and stands at €25.00 in Berlin, €30.00 in Munich and €47.00 in Potsdam. For the public-law name change, a framework fee applies, which the authority sets within the range according to administrative effort and income circumstances. Anyone with a low income or receiving social benefits should expressly apply for a reduction or waiver on social grounds and enclose proof of income — and do so before the fee is set, not only after receiving the fee notice.
8
Applying for new identity documents
After the name change, your documents show a name you no longer use — so apply promptly for a new identity card (€46.00 from age 24, €27.60 below that) and, if needed, a new passport (€70.00 from age 24, €37.50 below that). Bring along the certificate of the name change or the new marriage certificate. Important: since 1 May 2025, paper photographs are not permitted for identity cards and passports — the transitional period ended on 31 July 2025. Only a digital photograph is now permitted, either at the authority's terminal for €6.00 or from a certified photo studio with a DataMatrix code.
9
Informing all other bodies
The new name applies immediately, but nobody outside the registration authorities finds out about it automatically. Then take care of your driving licence and vehicle documents at the Kfz-Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office), as well as your bank and savings bank, health insurance fund (Krankenkasse), employer, pension insurance, Finanzamt (tax office), insurers, landlord, school or university, and ongoing contracts and subscriptions. Which bodies the authority itself notifies is dependent on the competent authority — ask explicitly at the appointment and, if needed, have several copies of the certificate issued.

Fee information

Costs and payment

Fees

Declaration regarding the use of a name (registry office)Set by the local authority: Berlin €25.00 · Munich €30.00 (several declarations in one recording €60.00) · Potsdam €47.00

Declaration after divorce or widowhoodThe same fee item as the declaration on the married name — in Berlin €25.00 for recording or certifying a declaration regarding the use of a name

Public-law change of the family nameLocal authority framework fee: Berlin €4.00–1,500.00 · Wetteraukreis €25.00–1,500.00 · Stralsund €210.00–970.00 · Potsdam €2.50–1,050.00

Public-law change of the given nameIts own, usually lower range: Wetteraukreis €25.00–500.00 · Stralsund €140.00–625.00

Assessment of the framework feeAccording to administrative effort and income circumstances; reduction or waiver on social grounds possible

New identity card€46.00 from age 24, €27.60 under age 24 (§ 1 PAuswGebV, since 7 February 2026)

New passport€70.00 from age 24, €37.50 under age 24 · 48-page passport: additional €22.00 · express surcharge €32.00

Digital photograph€6.00 at the authority's terminal or the price of the certified photo studio (paper photographs not permitted since 1 May 2025)

Driving licence and further documentsDepends on the competent authority

Place and means of paymentAt the body processing the matter; which means of payment are accepted (card, bank transfer, cash) is dependent on the competent authority

The most important point for context: there is no nationwide uniform fee for the public-law name change. The federal states and local authorities set framework fees, within which the authority determines the amount in the individual case. The often quoted range of "€30 to €500" is therefore misleading: at the lower end, the frameworks are in some cases considerably lower (Potsdam from €2.50, Berlin from €4.00), while at the upper end they reach up to €1,500.00 in several states. Anyone who budgets for the application with €500 as the upper limit risks a considerable funding gap.

Within the framework, two factors are decisive: the administrative effort — an application with extensive statements and hearings costs more than a straightforward case — and your income circumstances. Because the fee is income-dependent, it can be reduced or waived entirely on social grounds. Submit proof of income and official notices (Bescheide) on Bürgergeld (citizen's benefit), social assistance (Sozialhilfe) or Wohngeld (housing benefit) together with the application and expressly apply for the reduction; subsequent applications after the fee has been set are considerably harder to enforce.

You should also budget for the follow-on costs that arise regardless of the route chosen. A married couple who determine a joint compound surname after the wedding pay not only the recording fee but also new identity documents for both partners: two identity cards at €46.00 each and, if travel is planned, two passports at €70.00 each — plus the digital photographs. For children under 24, the reduced rates of €27.60 and €37.50 apply. Further costs may arise for certified documents, translations and, in the case of notarial certification, the notarial fee.

Good to know

Important notes

The genuine compound surname has been permitted since 1 May 2025. § 1355 (2) no. 3 BGB expressly allows a married name formed from the names of both spouses. Both spouses carry this compound surname jointly — unlike the accompanying name, which only one person carries. Guides that still claim a married name cannot be composed of both family names are reflecting the legal position before 1 May 2025.

Hyphen or not — you decide. The law joins the two names with a hyphen unless the spouses determine otherwise. If you want to carry the compound surname without a hyphen, you must expressly state so in the declaration. Clarify the spelling before the appointment, because it is transferred exactly as declared into the civil status registers and later into your identity documents.

No more than two names — even for existing multiple names. A newly formed compound surname may consist of no more than two individual names. If one of the spouses already carries a multiple name, they must select one of those names to form the married name. A four-part name cannot be formed from two compound surnames, therefore.

An accompanying name and a compound surname are mutually exclusive. The accompanying name under § 1355 (3) BGB is only possible if the married name consists of a single name. If the married name is already a compound surname, an additional accompanying name would result in a three-part name — which the law does not provide for. So consider in advance which of the two forms matters more to you.

There is no deadline for the married name. Determining the married name is not tied to the wedding: you can make the declaration at the marriage or at any later time. This means the genuine compound surname is also open to couples who married before 1 May 2025. The later you make the declaration, the more documents and contracts you will subsequently have to change — the only practical disadvantage of waiting.

After divorce or widowhood, you have four options. § 1355 (5) BGB allows you to keep the married name, resume your birth name, resume the name you carried before the married name was determined, or place an accompanying name before or after the married name. The declaration requires public certification. There is no deadline — you can return to your birth name years after the divorce as well.

Simplifications for stepchildren and children of divorce. The naming law reform has simplified name changes for children in patchwork family situations and after their parents' divorce. A child can more easily adapt its name to that of the family it lives in, and drop it again after a separation. Which declarations and consents are needed in the individual case is clarified by the registry office — see also our page on name declaration for a child.

German naming law has applied regardless of nationality since May 2025. What is decisive, in principle, is habitual residence in Germany. Married couples without a German passport can therefore also make use of the options under § 1355 BGB, including the genuine compound surname. Whether and to what extent foreign law can also be chosen alongside this is examined by the registry office in the individual case.

Given name and family name are assessed separately. For the public-law name change, different fee frameworks apply to each: in Stralsund the framework for the family name ranges from €210.00 to €970.00, and for the given name from €140.00 to €625.00; in the Wetteraukreis, €25.00–1,500.00 applies to the family name as against €25.00–500.00 for the given name. The substance is also examined separately — an important reason for one name does not automatically justify the change of the other.

Jurisdiction for the public-law route is not uniform. In Berlin, the district registry offices handle the public-law name change; in many territorial states it lies with the lower administrative authority, the public order office or the citizens' office. Do not rely on general information, but look up the service on your local authority's administrative portal — an application to the wrong body will be forwarded, but costs weeks.

Identity documents only with a digital photograph now. Since 1 May 2025, paper photographs have not been permitted for identity cards and passports; the transitional period ended on 31 July 2025. The photograph is produced either at the authority's terminal for €6.00 or at a certified photo studio, which transmits it electronically with a DataMatrix code. Plan this in when booking the appointment for the new documents after the name change.

Avoid these mistakes

Common mistakes

Relying on outdated information about the compound surname. Anyone who believes a joint compound surname is not permitted chooses a form of name at the wedding that they do not actually want. The correction is possible at any time, but costs the recording fee again and new identity documents for both partners — quickly more than €200 for two identity cards and two passports.

Wanting more than two name components. A newly formed compound surname may consist of no more than two individual names. Anyone who wants to carry an existing multiple name over into the married name in full receives no recording: the appointment ends with no result and has to be rearranged after selecting a single name.

Wanting to combine a compound surname and an accompanying name. If the married name is already a compound surname, there is no room for an additional accompanying name. Registry offices reject such declarations — and anyone who only realises at the appointment that the desired construction is not possible has to decide, under time pressure, on a name they will carry for decades.

Making the declaration informally by letter or email. Declarations regarding the use of a name that are not made at the marriage itself require public certification. A signed form without certification has no legal effect: the previous name remains in force, and everything built on it — from the new identity card to re-registering a bank account — fails.

Submitting the public-law application without a documented important reason. Mere dissatisfaction with the name is not sufficient; without evidence, the application is rejected. Bear in mind that even a rejecting decision causes administrative effort and, under many fee ordinances, is subject to a fee — whether and in what amount is dependent on the competent authority.

Budgeting with €500 as the cost ceiling. The framework fees in several states run up to €1,500.00. Anyone who does not expressly apply for the reduction on social grounds, with proof of income, receives the fee notice at the amount set by the authority — a subsequent correction is considerably harder to enforce than applying in good time.

Budgeting €37.00 for the new identity card. This amount applied until 6 February 2026. Since 7 February 2026, the identity card has cost €46.00 from age 24 and €27.60 below that under § 1 PAuswGebV. For a family with several new documents, the difference adds up noticeably — budget for the current rates.

Bringing paper photographs to the identity document appointment. Since 1 May 2025, these have not been permitted for identity cards and passports, the transitional period having ended on 31 July 2025. Without a digital photograph, the application cannot be accepted — the appointment is lost and switching your documents over is delayed by weeks.

Only changing the identity documents and forgetting the rest. Otherwise your driving licence, vehicle documents, bank accounts, health insurance fund, insurers, employment contract and Grundbuch (land register) entry continue under the old name. If the account holder's name and the identity document diverge, banks and authorities reject transactions, and transfers or applications fail at the name check. So have several copies of the certificate of the name change issued.

Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers

Is a genuine compound surname allowed as a married name?

Yes. Since 1 May 2025, spouses can determine a married name formed from the names of both spouses under § 1355 (2) no. 3 BGB — both then carry the same compound surname. The names are joined with a hyphen unless the spouses determine otherwise; a compound surname without a hyphen is therefore also possible. A newly formed compound surname may consist of no more than two individual names.

Does the compound surname also apply to couples who married before May 2025?

Yes, because determining the married name is not tied to the wedding and can be done at any later time. You make the declaration to the registry office; if it is not made at the marriage itself, it must be publicly certified. This incurs the local recording fee, €25.00 in Berlin, for example.

What does a name change cost after marriage?

The declaration regarding the use of a name at the registry office is priced locally: Berlin charges €25.00, Munich €30.00 and €60.00 if several declarations are combined in one recording, and Potsdam €47.00. In addition come the new identity documents: the identity card has cost €46.00 from age 24 and €27.60 below that since 7 February 2026, and the passport €70.00 or €37.50 respectively.

What does a public-law name change cost?

The fee is a framework fee set by the federal states and local authorities, which depends on the administrative effort and income circumstances. The frameworks are wide: Berlin states €4.00 to €1,500.00 for the family name, the Wetteraukreis €25.00 to €1,500.00, Stralsund €210.00 to €970.00 and Potsdam €2.50 to €1,050.00. The frequently quoted range of €30 to €500 is therefore wrong at both ends.

Does changing a given name cost the same as changing a family name?

No, many fee ordinances expressly distinguish between the two. In Stralsund, the framework for the family name runs from €210.00 to €970.00, and for the given name from €140.00 to €625.00; in the Wetteraukreis, €25.00 to €1,500.00 applies to the family name and €25.00 to €500.00 to the given name. The authority also examines both names separately in substance: an important reason for changing one name does not automatically justify changing the other. Which framework applies to you is dependent on the competent authority.

Can I resume my birth name after divorce or widowhood?

Yes. Under § 1355 (5) BGB, you can keep the married name, resume your birth name or the name you carried before the married name was determined, or place an accompanying name before or after the married name. You make the declaration to the registry office; it requires public certification. The law does not provide for a deadline.

What counts as an important reason for a public-law name change?

The Name Change Act requires an important reason that outweighs the public interest in retaining the previous name. Recognised in administrative practice are, among others, offensive or ridiculous-sounding names, frequent mix-ups, serious psychological distress caused by the name, and the adaptation of a foreign name following naturalisation. Mere dissatisfaction or matters of taste are not sufficient; the authority decides on a case-by-case basis.

Which authority is responsible for a name change?

The registry office is responsible for all family-law declarations — married name, accompanying name, use of a name after divorce or widowhood. For the public-law name change, jurisdiction is governed by state law: in Berlin the district registry offices decide, in many territorial states the lower administrative authority or the public order office or citizens' office, and in Stralsund, for example, the Ordnungsamt, registration section.

How long does a name change take?

The declaration regarding the use of a name takes effect upon recording by the registry office, that is, immediately at the appointment. There is no statutory processing deadline for the public-law name change; how long the examination of the important reason takes is dependent on the competent authority and on the scope of the evidence submitted.

Does German naming law also apply to foreign nationals?

Since 1 May 2025, German naming law has in principle been applicable to all persons who have their habitual residence in Germany — regardless of nationality. This means the options under § 1355 BGB, including the genuine compound surname, are also open to married couples who do not hold German nationality. Whether foreign law can also be chosen alongside this is clarified by the registry office in the individual case.

Which documents do I need to have changed after a name change?

First the identity documents, because otherwise the identity card and passport show a name you no longer use. Since 1 May 2025, only digital photographs are permitted for these, either at the authority's terminal for €6.00 or from a certified photo studio with a DataMatrix code. After that come the driving licence and vehicle documents, bank, health insurance fund, employer, pension insurance, insurers, landlord and ongoing contracts.

Applying for a change of name

What changed on 1 May 2025

The genuine compound surname as a married name

What you need to bring

How to proceed

Determining the legal route: declaration or public-law application

Setting the desired form of the name

Identifying the competent body

Booking an appointment and obtaining the documents in good time

Having the declaration recorded or publicly certified

Giving reasons for and submitting the public-law application

Paying the fee — and applying for a reduction in good time

Applying for new identity documents

Informing all other bodies

Costs and payment

Fees

Important notes

Common mistakes

Questions and answers

Cannot find the official procedure you are looking for?

Applying for a change of name

What changed on 1 May 2025

The genuine compound surname as a married name

What you need to bring

How to proceed

Determining the legal route: declaration or public-law application

Setting the desired form of the name

Identifying the competent body

Booking an appointment and obtaining the documents in good time

Having the declaration recorded or publicly certified

Giving reasons for and submitting the public-law application

Paying the fee — and applying for a reduction in good time

Applying for new identity documents

Informing all other bodies

Costs and payment

Fees

Important notes

Common mistakes

Questions and answers

Related official procedures

Cannot find the official procedure you are looking for?