Change of name - under public law

Differences in name changes

There are various options for changing your name in the large name change section. Please find out in advance which of the name changes apply to you. You will find some examples below.

Name explanations

• First name - changing the order
• Change of gender entry and first name according to SBGG
• Change of name - change surname
• Child surname - change
• Discarding parts of the name that are not provided for under German law (middle name, patronymic)

These name changes are possible under civil status law (see German Civil Code) by declaration to the relevant registry office.

Name changes - official: for good cause

A change of name that runs counter to the principle of name continuity under public law requires a compelling reason. Reasons for changing the name could be, for example, if the current name invites puns or ridicule or if the current name is difficult to pronounce and/or complicated to spell. It must also be objectively proven that it is unreasonable to continue using the name.

In principle, the name change authority is not the authority responsible for changing incorrectly recorded birth or marriage entries.

You can find the contact for first and family name changes under public law under -> Contact persons.

German nationals with their main place of residence in Jena are eligible to apply. The application is subject to a fee. We recommend that you contact the name change authority before submitting your application to check the chances of success. To do so, please contact namensaenderungen@jena.de.

• Act on the Change of Surnames and First Names (Name Change Act - NamÄndG)
• General Administrative Regulation on the Act on the Change of Surnames and First Names (NamÄndVwV)

• Application with detailed justification
• Identity documents (identity card or passport)
• Certified copy of the birth entry (available from your birth registry office)
• Certificate of good conduct from the Federal Central Register
• Certified copy of the marriage entry or family register for persons who are or were married

The processing of applications for name changes at the name change authority is subject to a fee. The fees for surnames are regulated nationwide at a maximum of €1022 and for first names at a maximum of €255.

The maximum rate can be charged if the administrative effort is high because the legal situation is difficult, other parties involved in the procedure such as children or spouses have to be heard and/or other authorities, such as the youth welfare office, have to be involved.

There are also follow-up costs, as documents (e.g. identity card) have to be amended after the change.

A fee is also payable if the application is rejected. It is therefore advisable to contact the name change authority before submitting the application to check its jurisdiction and prospects of success. To do this, please contact namensaenderungen@jena.de.