Name: Namensänderung in der Ehe/Lebenspartnerschaft und nach Auflösung der Ehe/Lebenspartnerschaft

We would like to have a joint (double) name. I/We would like to change the name we used during the marriage. I would like to take my maiden name again. I would like to have a double name.

Determination of a married name (= joint family name)
If no joint married name was determined at the time of the marriage and the marriage still exists, the joint declaration to determine a married name can be made at a later date. The spouses can choose a married name from their maiden names or the surnames used until the married name was chosen

From 01.05.2025

• The married name can be determined as a joint double name - with or without a hyphen.

If the marriage exists and a married name is already being used:

• The married name can be redefined as a joint double name - with or without a hyphen.
• The married name determined before 01.05.2025 can be revoked.

Determination of a double name for a spouse
The person whose name has not become the married name can add their maiden name or the surname used until the determination of the married name in front of or to the married name. The double name is joined by a hyphen and may only consist of two names.

From 01.05.2025:

• Double name with or without hyphen

Revocation of the double name for a spouse
The declaration of prefixing or suffixing can be revoked at any time. It is not possible to re-define a double name. A jointly determined double name cannot be revoked.

Reassumption of a previously used name
After dissolution of the marriage, the maiden name or the surname used up to the determination of the married name can be reassumed. This declaration is irrevocable.

• Birth certificates of the joint children
• If applicable, proof of the dissolution of the marriage (divorce decree, death certificate)
• For marriages in Germany:
  • Current certified copy of the marriage register, if the marriage was not concluded at the registry office where the declaration is made.
• For marriages abroad:
  • Current original marriage certificate (multilingual or with translation in Germany), if necessary with apostille and legalization by the German embassy (please ask what is required)
  • Current birth certificates of the spouses
  • If this is not your first marriage: marriage certificate of the previous marriage and proof of the dissolution of the marriage (divorce decree or death certificate)
• Identity card or passport

The relevant declarations must be made in person at the registry office. An appointment is required for this. An appointment can be requested at the registry office using the "Change of name of spouse" form.

The determination of the married name or the revocation of the married name:

• Joint declaration by both spouses

The determination of a (single) double name, its revocation or the resumption of the original name after the dissolution of the marriage:

• Declaration by the person concerned.

All declarations are publicly notarized by the registry office.

The declaration can be made at any domestic registry office. The registry office that keeps the marriage register is responsible for the "receipt" and therefore for the validity of the declaration. The registry office keeping the register issues the certificate of the name. If the marriage takes place abroad, the registry office of the place of residence is responsible.

Example: The marriage was concluded at the registry office in Cologne, the spouses both live in Bremen. The registry office in Bremen can record the declaration to determine the married name and sends it to the registry office in Cologne. The declaration becomes effective the moment it is received by the registry office in Cologne. The Cologne registry office sends the certificate of the name change to the spouses.

The certified copy of the marriage register to be submitted should not be older than six months.