Declaration of harmonisation

A person who has acquired a name under foreign law and whose name will henceforth be used in accordance with German law (e.g. through naturalisation, choice of law or special status) can submit a declaration to the registry office to adapt the name to a spelling and/or function that is customary in Germany. The declaration specifies which names will be used in future.

Anyone who is of legal age and legally competent can only declare their intention to change their name in person. A declaration by an authorised representative is not permitted.

If the name to be harmonised is also the married name or is to become the married name, the declaration can only be made jointly with the spouse during the existence of the marriage.

Children aged 14 and over can only make the declaration themselves; the consent of their legal representative is also required.

A declaration of alignment and any necessary declarations of consent and authorisation must be publicly notarised or authenticated.

The registry office that keeps the birth register of the person concerned, or the marriage register if no birth register is kept in Germany, is responsible for accepting (validating) a declaration of harmonisation. If there is no register, the registry office of the place of residence is responsible. Upon request, the registrar responsible for receiving the certificate will issue a certificate confirming the effective harmonisation and at the same time inform the registration authority.