Name Declaration after Divorce

If you wish to resume your previous name after a divorce, and your marriage was dissolved abroad, the divorce must first be officially recognized in Germany.

Only after this recognition can you submit a name change declaration. In addition to proof of recognition of the foreign divorce, you must also provide your birth certificate and marriage certificate (with legalization and translation, if applicable).

How long does the Process take?

The processing time for registering a name change in Germany usually takes several weeks. In some cases – especially when foreign (e.g., Malaysian) name law is involved – the process may take longer. Unfortunately, the German Embassy has no influence on shortening these procedures. If a foreign divorce (e.g., Malaysian) must first be recognized in Germany, this will further extend the processing time.

Once the name change is complete, the registry office can, upon request and for a fee (approx. €10, depending on the federal state), issue a certificate confirming your new name. This certificate will be forwarded to you by the German Embassy. It is strongly recommended that you request this certificate, as it is the only official proof of your new name for German passport authorities. Please keep this certificate safe and present it when applying for a new passport.

What happens to my Passport after the Name Declaration?
By submitting the name declaration at the Embassy, you are choosing a new family name. This change becomes legally effective once the name is registered by the registry office in Germany. From that point on, your current passport (under the old name) becomes invalid, and you must apply for a new passport.

Therefore, we recommend submitting your passport application together with your name declaration. The new passport will be issued after the name registration is confirmed by the registry office and will be handed over by the German Embassy.