Use of names

What surname would you like us to use when addressing you? Have you been married or were you a registered partner? Or are you planning to get married or enter into a registered partnership soon? You can indicate to the municipality how all government agencies should address you from now on. This is called name usage.

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Description

Your last name is recorded in the civil registry and in the municipality's Personal Records Database (BRP). A last name is also referred to as a family name or birth name. Or, in the case of a woman, maiden name. Your last name does not change if you get married or enter into a registered partnership.

Would you like the municipality and other (government) organizations to address you using a different surname? For example, your partner's surname? If so, you can indicate this to the municipality by submitting a request for 'designation of name use'. The municipality and other (government) organizations will then use this name, for example when sending you mail. The surname you were given at birth will remain on your official documents, such as 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 four names:

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

Requirements

You can submit a request for name usage if you:

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

It doesn't matter whether you are male or female.

Term

The municipality must decide within four weeks. The municipality will announce its decision in writing.

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