Printout from the birth register
Service description
A certified printout from the register of births will be issued to you on request by the relevant registry office. The printout shows all the data that the registry office has entered in connection with your birth. You will receive the document, including any subsequent certifications, as a printout from the electronic register. This printout is legally equivalent to the birth certificate and can be presented instead of it in an official context.
In addition to the birth details (including time of birth and additional information on the parents), the printout also contains subsequent changes, such as adoption, changes to the paternity of the child or name changes.
The registry office will usually tell you the exact time (hour and minute) of your birth on request, without having to issue a certificate.
Process flow
Personal application
- Go to the registry office that recorded the birth.
- For legitimation you present your identity card or passport.
- You usually pay the fee in advance when you apply at the registry office.
A person you trust can order and collect the certificate on your behalf; your representative must present their own identity card or passport in addition to a written power of attorney.
Application by mail or fax
- Send an informal letter to the relevant registry office with a request for a certified printout from the birth register. Depending on what the city or municipality offers, you can also find application forms on the Internet.
- Your letter must include the following information:
- Name, first name
- Date and place of birth
- Name, first name of parents
- if known: Registry office and registration number
- Attach a certified copy of your ID card or passport to the letter.
- You will receive a notification of fees when the certificate is sent to you, unless you have already paid the fees.
Responsible office
Registry office of the place of birth
Requirements
The personal data in the civil status registers are subject to data protection. Certified register printouts can therefore only be issued
- for persons to whom the entry refers
as well as their
- Spouses,
- Life partners (within the meaning of the German Life Partnerships Act),
- Ancestors and descendants (such as parents or grandparents as well as children and grandchildren),
- Siblings, if they can prove a legitimate interest.
Other persons, i.e. also closer relatives such as aunts and uncles, only receive a deed if they can credibly demonstrate a legal interest (examples: Letter from the probate court, court judgment or enforceable title).
Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
What documents are needed?
- Identity card, passport or eID (for written orders: certified copy)
- for application / collection by a representative: written authorization from the authorized person, their ID, passport or eID
- Proof of legal interest, if applicable
Legal basis
Comments
The certified printout from the birth register replaces the former certificate of descent (abolished as of 01.01.2009).