Name declaration for naturalized persons or late repatriates (declaration of alignment)

A change of nationality or moving to Germany does not change a person's name.

If the person is now subject to German law, they can adapt their name to a spelling or function of the name components that is customary in Germany for the future.

Notes:

• The declaration is irrevocable.
• Only first names and surnames can be entered in German identity documents, no additional name elements such as patronymics or middle names. We recommend that you bear this in mind when deciding on your future name.

The following options are available:

• Determination of a first and family name from the previous several names (for so-called name chains).
• Determination of new names: if your name consists of only one element, you can determine this as your family name or first name. You must then choose a suitable name for the other part of your name.
• Adoption of so-called name elements that are not provided for under German law (e.g. middle name or patronymic).
• Adoption of the original form of the name: if your name has been modified according to gender or relationship (e.g. ending in "a" "ova").
• Adoption of the German-language form of your first name or family name. If there is no such form of the first name, you can adopt new first names.

You can submit the declaration of assimilation at any German registry office.
If you need an interpreter, please bring one with you to the appointment.

However, the declaration only becomes effective when it is received by the registry office that keeps your birth register or, alternatively, your marriage register.
If your birth or marriage is not recorded in a German birth or marriage register, the responsibility for the effective receipt of your declaration lies with your local registry office.

Only then can a certificate of change of name be issued. You can use this to apply for a new identity document.

• valid identity card or passport
  
• if married: marriage certificate or certified copy from the marriage register, with translation into Germanif necessary
• if living in a registered civil partnership: civil partnership certificate or certified copy from the civil partnership register, with translation if necessary
• Birth certificate, with translation into German if necessary
• Proof of any subsequent name changes, insofar as they are not evident from the birth certificate (which documents are required in individual cases must be discussed before the declaration of alignment is notarized)
• Proof that German name law has become applicable, e.g. naturalization certificate, certificate of choice of law declaration
• If applicable, proof of custody of children whose name is to be changed

• Valid identity card or passport
  
• if married: marriage certificate or certified copy from the marriage register, with translation into Germanif necessary
• if living in a registered civil partnership: civil partnership certificate or certified copy from the civil partnership register, with translation if necessary
• Birth certificate, with translation into German if necessary
• Proof of any subsequent name changes, insofar as they are not evident from the birth certificate (which documents are required in individual cases must be discussed before the declaration of alignment is notarized)
• registration certificate
• If applicable, proof of custody of children whose name is to be changed

You can make an appointment  online (opens in a new tab) at the Stuttgart registry office if you got married in Stuttgart city center, if your child was born in Stuttgart city center or if you live in Stuttgart city center.

Name declaration

Costs: 40 Euro

Legal basis: § 5 para. 1 PStG-DVO

• § Section 43 of the Civil Status Act (PStG (opens in a new tab))
•  Article 47 Introductory Act to the Civil Code (EGBGB (opens in a new tab))
• §§ Sections 45, 46 Ordinance on Civil Status (PStV (opens in a new tab))
• § Section 94 Federal Expellees Act (BVFG (opens in a new tab))