Name/gender: Declarations in accordance with the Self-Determination Act (SBGG)

Procedure

The change takes place in 2 stages:

Stage 1: Registration of planned changes of gender and first names

• possible from August 01, 2024
• 3 months before the actual declaration (stage 2) at the German registry office where the subsequent declaration is to be made
• in writing using the form (please note: the written registration must be received by the registry office on August 1, 2024 at the earliest).
  
  • You can find the forms under "Further information" - "Forms"
• or in person (at the registry office by appointment)

The registration expires if the declaration (stage 2) has not been submitted within 6 months; the registration must then be submitted again.

Stage 2: Declaration of changes of gender and first names

• possible at the earliest 3 months after registration (stage 1)
• Mandatory in person at the registry office where the registration was made after making an appointment

When does your declaration take effect?

• The declaration becomes effective when it is received by the registry office.
• If you were born in the registry office district of Bremen-Mitte or Bremen-Nord and make the declaration there, it will take effect immediately.
• If you were born elsewhere and make the declaration in the registry office district of Bremen-Mitte or Bremen-Nord, the declaration only becomes effective when it is received by the registry office in your place of birth. It will be forwarded by the respective Bremen registry office.

If you:

• have any questions and/or
• are a minor or require information for the declaration for a minor child or a person under guardianship

please send an e-mail to

• the registry office Bremen-Mitte (name@inneres.bremen.de)
• the registry office Bremen-Nord (standesamtbremen-nord@inneres.bremen.de)

Legal bases

• § 22 Personenstandsgesetz (PStG)
• Gesetz über die Selbstbestimmung in Bezug auf den Geschlechtseintrag (SBGG)

More information

If necessary, please bring an interpreter with you for your visit to the registry office to avoid communication problems when receiving your requests.

What do foreign nationals need to bear in mind?

Not all countries recognize and accept the change of gender and name. It is therefore possible that the change will not be entered in your passport. Please check with your consulate before making the declaration.