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M3161

Change first name or last name

You can change your first or last name under certain conditions.

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Detailed description

You can have your name changed under public law if there is an important reason for doing so. This option is available to resolve particular difficulties or burdens in an individual case.
You can only change your name in exceptional circumstances.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • There is an important reason for the name change.
  • You will find out whether your reason for changing your name is an important reason in an individual consultation.

Documents required

You will find out which documents you need during the individual consultation.

Please note

The registry offices are responsible for name changes according to the provisions of the German Civil Code (BGB) such as
for example

  • Determination of the married name or
  • Re-adoption of the birth name after dissolution of the marriage
  • or for first name changes according to the Self-Determination Act (SBGG).
  • and for the changes following the naming law reform from May 2025

Deadlines

You will find out whether and which deadlines you have to meet during your individual consultation.

Procedure

  • You can get advice on your issue by phone or email. This will clarify which department is responsible for your issue and whether it has any prospect of success
  • You will receive your individual application documents by post.
  • You apply for the name change and submit all required documents.
  • The responsible authority will examine your documents and decide on your application.

Processing time

If all required documents are available, processing usually takes about 4 weeks.


If you want to change the surname of a minor, the process usually takes several months.

Fees

The fee for changing the surname or first name is EUR 25.00 - EUR 1,000.00.


If you withdraw your application, you will have to pay 50% of the fee.


If your application is rejected, you will have to pay 75% of the fee.

Legal remedies

Objection (only against a decision with instructions on legal remedies)

Legal basis

Law on the Change of Surnames and First Names (NamÄndG)

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/nam_ndg/index.html#BJNR000090938BJNE000501360

Related services

Links on hamburg.de

Links on the Internet

Address and contact information

M3161

The sole responsibility on the basis of the Name Change Act (NamÄndG) lies with Department M 25 of the Authority for the Interior and Sport (BIS).
For example, a change of first name or deletion of the father's name after naturalization are carried out on other grounds at the registry offices.
When the naming law reform comes into force in May 2025, responsibilities will change.

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8 am-12.30pm, Mon + Thu 1.15pm-3.30pm. No appointment without an appointment.

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Keywords: Name change NÄG Surnames

Last updated: 21.06.2025