Name use

By what last name would you like us to write to you? Were you married or in a registered partnership? Or are you getting married or entering into a registered partnership soon? You can tell the municipality how all government agencies should address you from now on. This is called surname use.

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Description

Your surname is listed in the civil registry and in the Personal Records Database ( BRP ) of the municipality. A surname is also called a family name or birth name. Or, for a woman, a maiden name. Your surname does not change if you marry or enter into a registered partnership.

Do you want the municipality and other (government) organizations to write to you using a different last name? For example, your partner's last name? Then you can indicate this to the municipality with a request 'indication name use'. The municipality and other (government) organizations will then use this name. For example when they send you mail. The surname you were given at birth remains on your official documents, for example your passport or driver's license.

Suppose your name is J. de Wit and your partner's name is P. Jansen. You can then choose from 4 names:

  • J. Jansen
  • J. de Wit
  • J. de Wit-Jansen
  • J. Jansen-de Wit
Requirements

You can request a designation of name if you:

  • are married
  • entered into a registered partnership
  • are divorced
  • have become a widow or widower

It does not matter whether you are male or female.

Term

The municipality must decide within 4 weeks. The municipality announces the decision in writing.

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