Apply for a change of surname as a displaced or late resettled person, their spouse or descendant
Service description
As a displaced person or late repatriate, you, your spouse or your descendants can discard components of your previous name if these are not customary in Germany. You can also adopt the original form of a modified name. This applies to names that have been modified according to gender or relationship.
Furthermore, you can also adopt German-language forms of your first name or family name. If such German-language forms do not exist, you can also adopt new first names.
Provided you are married, you can also determine a common surname or adopt your surname in a German translation.
Requirements
- Acquisition of the name under German law. Your name or parts of your name are unknown under German law
- Displaced person or late repatriate or a spouse or descendant
What documents are needed?
- Identity card or passport
- Birth certificate with official translation
- Registration certificate
- as far as available:
- Late repatriate certificate
- ID card for displaced persons
Additional documents may be required in your specific case. To find out, it is best to call your registry office beforehand.
What are the fees?
The declaration on the name change is free of charge. Fees may apply for the certificate of name change.
Legal basis
What else should I know?
You may have an interpreter present at your expense.
Short text
As a displaced person or ethnic German resettler, you, your spouse or your descendants can discard parts of your previous name if these are not common in Germany.
They can also take the original form of a modified name. This applies to names that have been modified according to gender or relationship.
Furthermore, you can also adopt German-language forms of your first name or family name. If such German-language forms do not exist, you can also adopt new first names.
Provided you are married, you can also determine a common surname or adopt your surname in a German translation.