Explanation of the order of the first names

Description

The declaration on the order of first names becomes effective upon receipt by the competent registry office. The competent office is:

1. If your birth is recorded in a German register of births, the registry office that keeps your register of births
2. If 1. does not apply, the registry office that keeps your marriage or civil partnership register
3. If 2. does not apply either, the registry office in whose district you live
4. If you live abroad, the registry office in whose district you last lived
5. If none of these apply, the registry office I in Berlin

You can contact the relevant registry office directly or the registry office in your place of residence. The declaration can also be notarised. If you live abroad, please contact the German consular mission. The authority where your declaration is notarised will forward it to the relevant registry office. There you can then apply for a new birth, marriage or civil partnership certificate or a certificate of change of name. The relevant registry office will also inform the registration office.

Your declaration on the sorting of first names must be officially notarised and becomes effective upon receipt by the relevant registry office.

Prerequisites

If your name is subject to German law, you can change the order of your first names. This allows you to ensure that your first name comes first. Changing the spelling or adding or omitting first names is not permitted.

For children under the age of 14, the declaration is made by the legal guardian. If a child has reached the age of 14, they must make the declaration themselves, but require the consent of their legal guardian(s). All persons involved in the declaration of the order of first names must appear in person at the registry office. Please bring proof of custody with you to the notarisation appointment, for example a confirmation of sole custody from the youth welfare office, your declaration of custody or the current court order on custody.

Required documents

• German passport or identity card or
• Identity card for stateless or homeless foreigners or
• Identity card for persons entitled to asylum or foreign refugees
• Birth, marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Proof of custody in the case of a declaration of consent

Legal basis

§ 45 a PStG