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Change of gender entry and first names
The new “Act on Self-Determination with regard to the Gender Entry” (SBGG) will make it easier for transgender, non-binary and intersex people to change their gender entry and first names.
Soon, it will be possible to change the gender entry and first name by making a simple declaration to the Civil Registry.
The new procedure consists of two parts:
- The registration of the declaration, and
- The declaration itself.
In accordance with § 4 SBGG, the declaration must be registered verbally or in written form with the responsible Civil Registry at least three months in advance.
As the registration does not have to meet any special formal requirements, it is not necessary to involve the Embassy or Consulate abroad for this part.
You can use this formulation aid for the registration (1). Please fill it out and send it to the responsible Civil Registry.
If your birth was registered in Germany, the Civil Registry that registered the birth is responsible.
If you are not listed in any German civil status register, the Civil Registry at the last German place of residence is responsible.
In case that your birth has never been registered in Germany and you have never been resident in Germany, the Civil Registry I in Berlin is the competent civil registry.
Once the registration (1) has been received by the Civil Registry, the certified declaration (2) must be submitted to the registry office between three and six months after registration. This part of the process will most likely be possible from 01.11.2024. You will then be able to get the declaration certified at a German mission abroad or at a German Honorary Consul's Office. We will make the necessary forms available on our website as soon as possible.
Upon request, the Civil Registry will issue a certificate in accordance with § 46 PStV regarding the changed gender entry and first name/s. A passport with the changed details can only be issued upon presentation of this certificate.
