Choosing a last name for your child
Parents can choose together which surname their first child will have. You submit the chosen surname to municipality.
Note
From Jan. 1, 2024, you can also give your first child a double surname, one name from each parent. Is your oldest child born after Dec. 31, 2015? Then you can also give this child and all subsequent children a double last name.
You have until Jan. 1, 2025, to change the last name.
Approach
Your child will automatically be given a last name. If you agree with this last name, you do not have to pass anything on. Do you want a different last name for your child?
This is how you choose a different last name for your first child:
- You and your partner will visit in person at municipality.
- You both bring valid ID.
- You choose the last name no later than the birth declaration.
Cost
Rates 2024
- The choice of surname upon recognition is free.
- An extract of recognition costs €16.60.
Description
You can choose whether your first child will have the surname of the mother, father or duo mother. From January 1, 2024, you can also give your first child two surnames. From each parent 1 name. The order does not matter. Each subsequent child from the same relationship will be given the same last name or surnames as the first child.
Do you adopt a child? Then the child may keep their own last name or have 1 or 2 names of the adoptive parents. Or you can combine the child's own last name with the last name of one of the adoptive parents.
Do you not communicate your choice? Then your child will automatically be given a last name. It depends on your family situation which surname your child will automatically receive. For more information on surnames, visit Rijksoverheid.nl.
Terms
You let the choice be known no later than the birth declaration.
Is the child not recognized and you were not married or in a registered partnership at birth? Then the child will receive the mother's last name. You can change your children's last name to that of the other parent. This is possible if the other parent still recognizes the child. The conditions for this are:
- Is the child under the age of 12? Then the mother must consent to the name change.
- Is the child between the ages of 12 and 16? Then the mother and child must both consent to the name change.
- Is the child 16 or older? Then the child must consent to the name change.
- Both parents must be present at the name selection.