BERLINEN
About this editionDeutsch: the original ↗
  1. ServicePortal Berlin
  2. Services
  3. Meldewesen und Ordnung
  4. Declarations under name law - determining a civil partnership surname

Declarations under name law - determining a civil partnership surname

Namensrechtliche Erklärungen - Lebenspartnerschaftsnamen bestimmen
Machine translation of the German page, 2026-09-15. The German original is binding.
Since October 2017, persons of the same sex have been able to marry. Before that, same-sex couples could enter into a Lebenspartnerschaft (registered civil partnership). Since the introduction of the right to marry for same-sex couples as well, it is no longer possible to enter into a new Lebenspartnerschaft. Lebenspartnerschaften already established of course retain their legal validity, and it remains possible to make a declaration regarding a Lebenspartnerschaftsname (joint partnership surname), provided one has not yet been determined. Under German law, the partners can designate the birth name or the family name currently used by one of the partners as the Lebenspartnerschaftsname. This declaration is irrevocable for as long as the Lebenspartnerschaft exists! The declaration must be made by both partners, as it is a joint determination of the name. If the Lebenspartnerschaft was established abroad, it is likewise possible to determine a Lebenspartnerschaftsname afterward, provided this was not already done as part of the Verpartnerung (formation of the partnership).

Book an appointment

Book an appointment (service.berlin.de)

Requirements

• Existing Lebenspartnerschaft (civil partnership) If no joint Lebenspartnerschaftsname (civil partnership name) has been determined so far, this can be done subsequently at any time, provided the civil partnership still exists. After a civil partnership has been dissolved, it is no longer possible to determine a civil partnership name. • Interpreter, if applicable If one of the persons making the declaration does not have sufficient command of the German language, an interpreter must be involved at that person's instigation and expense.

Documents you need

• Declaration regarding the civil partnership name (Erklärung über den Lebenspartnerschaftsnamen) Possible on site • Identity cards (Personalausweise) or passports Of both partners • Civil partnership certificate (Lebenspartnerschaftsurkunde) If the civil partnership was established abroad, an official translation is additionally required. • Birth certificates If the civil partnership was established abroad.

Fees

• 25.00 euros: for a subsequent declaration of a civil partnership name • 12.00 euros: certificate of name usage

Legal basis

• Personenstandsgesetz (PStG, Civil Status Act) § 42 www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pstg/__42.html • Lebenspartnerschaftsgesetz (LPartG, Civil Partnership Act) § 3 www.gesetze-im-internet.de/lpartg/__3.html • Personenstandsverordnung (PStV, Civil Status Ordinance) § 46 www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pstv/__46.html • Verordnung zur Ausführung des Personenstandsgesetzes im Land Berlin (Ordinance Implementing the Civil Status Act in the State of Berlin) § 8 gesetze.berlin.de/perma?j=PStGAV_BE_!_8

Who is responsible

Standesamt (registry office) that maintains the Lebenspartnerschaftsregister (civil partnership register) The name determination becomes effective at the German Standesamt where the civil partnership was formed and which maintains the Lebenspartnerschaftsregister (civil partnership register). Standesamt (registry office) of residence • The declaration can also be submitted at the Standesamt of your place of residence. • For civil partnerships formed abroad, the Standesamt of your place of residence is likewise responsible.

Responsible for you

Choose a location; the appointment itself is booked on the original page.

Original

German original

Service number 324605 · same path as the original: service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/324605/