How to Change Surname After Marriage in Germany [2025 Guide] 💍🇩🇪
Changing your surname after marriage in Germany is a legal process that must be registered with your local Standesamt (Registry Office). Whether you choose to take your partner’s surname, create a double-barrel surname, or keep your own, you must officially update it in government and personal records.
In this 2025 complete guide, you’ll learn how to change surname after marriage in Germany, required documents, legal rules, costs, and how to update your details with other institutions.
📌 Quick Summary Table: Surname Change After Marriage in Germany (2025)
| Step | Details | Timeframe | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Decide on Name Option | Take partner’s surname, double-barrel, or keep yours | Before/at marriage registration | Free |
| 2. Register Name Change | At Standesamt during or after marriage | Immediate | €0–€40 |
| 3. Update ID & Passport | Bürgeramt issues updated documents | Within 3 months | €13–€37 |
| 4. Inform Other Institutions | Bank, insurance, employer, tax office | ASAP | Free |
| 5. Keep Proof of Marriage | For future name verifications | Ongoing | Free |
🏛 1. Understand the Surname Change Rules in Germany
In Germany, surname changes after marriage are regulated by the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB). You can:
- Take your partner’s surname as a family name
- Keep your surname and have your partner take yours
- Create a double-barrel surname (hyphenated) for one spouse only
- Keep your original surname (no change)
💡 Important: Both partners cannot legally have double-barrel surnames together — only one spouse may use it.
📑 2. Documents Required to Change Surname After Marriage in Germany (2025)
When visiting the Standesamt or Bürgeramt, you’ll need:
- Valid Passport or National ID
- Marriage Certificate (Eheurkunde) – issued by the Standesamt
- Completed Name Declaration Form (Namensänderungserklärung)
- Residence Registration Certificate (Meldebescheinigung) – sometimes required
- Birth Certificates (if needed for international confirmation)
🗓 3. When & Where to Change Your Surname
At the Time of Marriage Registration
Most couples declare their chosen surname at the Standesamt during marriage registration — this is the easiest and fastest way.
After Marriage
If you didn’t decide at the wedding, you can submit a name declaration at the Standesamt later.
💼 4. Step-by-Step Process to Change Surname After Marriage in Germany
- Book Appointment at Standesamt
- Contact your local registry office
- Bring required documents
- Declare New Surname
- Fill in the official name declaration form
- Sign in presence of the registrar
- Receive Updated Marriage Certificate
- Shows the new surname officially
- Update ID & Passport at Bürgeramt
- Bring new marriage certificate
- Pay applicable document renewal fees
- Inform All Relevant Institutions
- Bank accounts, health insurance, tax office (Finanzamt)
- Mobile service providers, employers, vehicle registration office
💰 5. Costs for Surname Change in Germany (2025)
- Name declaration at Standesamt → Free to €40 (depends on city)
- New ID card (Personalausweis) → €37 (over 24), €22.80 (under 24)
- New passport → €60–€80 depending on validity
📋 6. Tips for a Smooth Surname Change
- Do it at the marriage appointment to avoid extra bureaucracy later
- Order multiple marriage certificates – you’ll need them for multiple updates
- Check deadlines for passport renewal if you plan to travel soon
- Inform your employer quickly to avoid payroll mismatches
❓FAQs
Q1: How do I change my surname after marriage in Germany?
You must submit a name declaration at the Standesamt, either at the time of marriage registration or later, and then update your ID, passport, and records with other institutions.
Q2: Can I change my surname after marriage in Germany later?
Yes, you can visit your local Standesamt anytime after marriage to declare a surname change, but fees may apply.
Q3: How much does it cost to change surname after marriage in Germany?
The Standesamt may charge €0–€40 for the name declaration. New ID and passport fees range from €22 to €80.
Q4: Do I need my marriage certificate to change my surname in Germany?
Yes, your official marriage certificate (Eheurkunde) is required for surname updates at Bürgeramt and other institutions.
Q5: Can I keep my surname after marriage in Germany?
Yes, you can keep your surname, take your partner’s, or create a double-barrel surname (only for one spouse).