Name change
Performance specification
The change of name under public law according to the Act on the Change of Family Names and Forenames (Name Change Act) is subordinate to name change options based on civil law provisions.
Conceived as a hardship regulation in individual cases, the change of name under public law presupposes the applicability of German law on names and, in particular, the existence of an important reason.
Further information is also available under the service description "Name law" in the Hessen-Finder.
Which documents are required?
This varies greatly from case to case. A prior telephone consultation with the name change authority is therefore recommended.
What are the fees?
Framework fees for a change of name under public law pursuant to § 1 HVwKostG, § 1 VwKostO-MdIS in conjunction with. Annex 1, Nos. 651 and 652 of the Administrative Costs List:
Change of first name - from 28,00 Euro to 560,00 Euro
Family name change - from 28.00 euros to 1,680.00 euros.
Who do I need to contact?
The registry offices advise on priority civil-legal name change options.
The district administration is responsible for advising on and carrying out application procedures for the change of surnames under public law if the person resides in the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg and for first names if the person resides in a municipality belonging to the district with less than 7,500 inhabitants.
If you live in a municipality with a population of 7,500 or more (currently Bad Arolsen, Bad Wildungen, Frankenberg (Eder) and Korbach), the respective municipal administration is responsible for a change of first name under public law.