If you wish to change your surname outside the provisions of civil law (i.e. not, for example, when getting married or divorced), you must apply to the relevant authority for a change of name under public law.

You can change your name

• if there is an important reason
• if you have completed an application

What is an important reason?

There are many reasons.

For example, if:

• You have a funny name.
  Others make fun of it.
• You have a long name.
  It is difficult to write.
  That is difficult to speak.
• You have a foreign name.
  From another country.
• The child's name is to be changed.
  Because the mother has a new name.

There are many other reasons.

This is only possible from the age of 18.

Ask at the office.