Procedure descriptions
Order of first names - request re-sorting
Do you have several first names and would like to change the order of the first names?
Then you can request a reordering of the first names.
Responsible authority
To submit a name declaration, you can contact the registry office in your place of residence or the registry office responsible for accepting the declaration.
The registry office responsible for accepting the declaration is
- the registry office of the place of birth
- If this is not the case: the registry office that keeps the marriage register or civil partnership register of the person.
- If this does not result in jurisdiction: the registry office of the place of residence or habitual abode of the person entitled to make the application
- If there is still no jurisdiction: the registry office I in Berlin
The declaration becomes effective upon receipt by the competent registry office. If the declaration was made at another registry office, this office forwards the declaration to the competent registry office.
Stadt Heidenheim
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
At the time of submitting the name declaration:
- the name of the data subject is subject to German law
- if the person concerned has several first names
Note: Children from the age of 14 submit the declaration themselves. The legal guardians must give their consent.
Procedure
You can change the order of your first names by submitting a declaration to the relevant registry office.
Exception: First names that are hyphenated cannot be changed in their order.
Note: Changing the spelling of first names and adding or omitting first names is not permitted. If you wish to change the spelling of your first names, add a new one or omit one of your first names, this can only be done by changing the first name (public law name change).
Deadlines
none
Required documents
- valid identification document (e.g. passport, identity card)
- Current certified copy of the register of births if the register is not kept at the registry office where the declaration is made.
- If applicable, a current certified copy of the marriage register/register of civil partnerships if the register is not kept at the registry office where the declaration is made.
- if applicable, proof of domicile or habitual residence (e.g. identity card, registration certificate)
Please enquire in advance at the authority where you are submitting the declaration about any other documents (e.g. proof of sole custody, if applicable).
Costs
- for the legalisation or notarisation of a name change declaration: EUR 40.00
- for the certification of the change of name: none
- if the certificate is not issued in connection with the acceptance of a declaration under name law: EUR 20.00
- for current documents or notarised printouts from the civil status register: EUR 20.00 each
- Note: If the change is successful, subsequent costs will be incurred as you will have to reapply for documents such as your identity card or passport.
Miscellaneous
none
Legal basis
- § 45a Erklärung zur Reihenfolge der Vornamen
Personenstandsverordnung - PStV:
- § 46 Bescheinigung über Erklärungen zur Namensführung
- § 62 Besonderheiten bei Mitteilungen
§ 5 Verordnung des Innenministeriums zur Durchführung des Personenstandsgesetzes (PStG-DVO) - Erhebung von Gebühren und Auslagen in Verbindung mit Anlage 1 - Gebührenverzeichnis
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Innenministerium Baden-Württemberg, 27.04.2026
Contact
Bürger- und Standesamt (Bürgeramt)
eMail buergeramt@heidenheim.de
Telefon (0 73 21) 3 27-33 42
Fax (0 73 21) 3 23-33 32