Change in the birth register

Description

Data from the birth register is entered on a birth certificate. The certificate proves the accuracy of this data on the date of issue. It is therefore important that the birth register is updated as required. A distinction can be made between two variants:

• If a procedure is carried out in Germany that results in a change of data in the birth register, the authorities involved inform each other. As the person concerned, you do not have to take care of this yourself.
• If a change is made abroad for a person who is entered as a child in a German birth register, you must inform the registry office of the place of birth yourself.

Examples of changes:

• Recognition of paternity abroad
• Change of name abroad
• Adoption abroad

Examples of corrections:

• Misspelling by the registry office
• The spelling of the name in the passport differs from the birth register
• Incorrect information was provided when registering the birth

Required documents

Please use our contact form to obtain advice and submit your existing documents in advance. The required documents vary depending on the individual case. Please submit all documents you have relating to the change in question, with a translation into German if necessary.

Legal basis

• § Section 27 of the Civil Status Act (subsequent certification in the register of births)
• §§ Sections 47, 48 of the Civil Status Act (correction)