Changing your name

In any case you need to have Dutch citizenship (nationality). For the other conditions you can consult the Begin external link: website of the Government of the Netherlands(External link), end external link..

There are different procedures for changing your last name and changing your first name.

Change your first name

Would you like to legally change your first name? Then you should contact a lawyer because you will need to file this petition with the Dutch courts. Questions about how your petition is proceeding can be addressed to your lawyer.

Change your surname

Would you like to change your surname? You can file a request to the Ministry of Security and Justice. The municipality will subsequently alter the data on your birth certificate and in the Personal Records Database (BRP).

• You write a request to the Ministry of Security and Justice. You can use the name change application form on the website of the Begin external link: Integrity and Screening Agency (Dienst Justis)(External link), end external link..
• You will receive a confirmation from the ministry with an explanation about the subsequent procedure.
• The ministry will ask the municipality (Department of Public Service) for advice on your request.
• The Minister of Security and Justice will take a decision on your request for a name change within 10 months.
• The municipality of your birth will alter the data on your birth certificate. Your data will also be changed in the Personal Records Database (BRP) in the municipality where you live.
• Once the procedure has been completed, certain documents will no longer be valid. For example, your passport or driving licence. You will need to reapply for these documents.
• There is a difference between changing a name for minors, changing a name for adults and changing a name due to mental and/or physical health.
• The Minister of Security and Justice will rule on your request for a change to your family name. The name change is done by Royal Decree. You will receive this decision by post, and if you were born in the Netherlands the municipality of your birth will also be informed. Your personal data will also be changed in the BRP.
• For a foreign document see the page: Begin link: Register a foreign certificate, end link. .

The Department of Public Service at the municipality will change your personal data in the BRP for free. The name change itself does cost money. After it receives your request, the Ministry of Security and Justice will tell you how much and how you need to pay.

Once the Department of Public Service receives the Royal Decree, your data will first be altered on your birth certificate and subsequently in the BRP as well. In total this take a maximum of 4 to 6 weeks.

Legally changing your surname is different from requesting a change in the use of your surname in the BRP, for example because you got married or divorced. More information can be found on the page Begin link: Request a change in the use of your surname, end link. .