Birth certificate; application

If you need a new birth certificate, you can apply for one at the registry office. Please contact the registry office in whose jurisdiction you were born. The birth certificate confirms the birth of a person.

The birth certificate contains the following information:

• First names, maiden name and gender of the child
• Date, time and place of birth
• Parents' first and last names

The following information will not be included at your request:

• Gender
• Parents' first and last names

You can obtain the birth certificate in various forms:

• As a birth certificate, possibly with translation assistance for use in countries of the European Union.
• As a multilingual birth certificate valid in all countries that sign the Convention of September 8, 1976 on the issue of multilingual extracts from civil status records. For more information, see Civil status law - Convention - No. 16: Convention on the issue of multilingual extracts from civil status records.
• As a certified printout from the register of births. This printout contains all the data entered by the registry office at the time of birth.

If changes occur after the birth has been certified, for example due to a change of name, the entry in the register will be supplemented by a subsequent certification. The registry office can then issue you with a new birth certificate on request.

The following persons over the age of 16 can submit an application:

• The person to whom the entry in the register refers.
• Ancestors and descendants, e.g. parents, children or grandchildren (relationship must be explained and, if necessary, proven).
• Siblings, if they can credibly demonstrate a legitimate interest (family relationship must be explained and, if necessary, proven).
• Other persons who can prove a legal interest, for example by means of a letter from the probate court, a court judgment or an enforceable title.

Birth certificates and certified register printouts can only be requested from the registry office up to 110 years after the date of registration in the register of births. The archive of the municipality to which the registry office belongs is responsible for older entries.

Personal application:

• Bring your identity card or passport with you.
• Your family relationship must be explained and, if necessary, proven
• An authorized person must bring a written power of attorney as well as the identity card or passport (original or copy) of the person granting the power of attorney and their own identity card or passport.

Written application:

• Enclose a copy of your identity card or passport.
• Your relationship must be explained and, if necessary, proven.

• Fee for a birth certificate: EUR 12.00
• Fee for a certified printout: EUR 12.00
• Fee for a multilingual birth certificate: EUR 12.00
• Fee for issuing a translation aid (multilingual form pursuant to Art. 7 Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1191): EUR 12.00

• § Section 61 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)
• § Section 50 Ordinance on Civil Status (PStV)
• § Section 53 Ordinance on Civil Status (PStV)

Application for a court decision at the local court responsible for the registry office

You can request the birth certificate from the registry office in the area of responsibility of the place of birth in person (appointment may be necessary), in writing or electronically.

Please contact the registry office in advance to find out how much the fees are and what payment options are available.

Personal application

• An appointment may be necessary for a personal application.
• Bring your identity card or passport with you.
• You pay the fee directly at the registry office when you apply.
• A trusted person can also order and collect the certificate for you. This person will need a written power of attorney as well as your identity card or passport (original or copy) and your identity card or passport.

Written application:

• Send an informal letter to the relevant registry office asking for the birth certificate to be issued.
• Your letter should contain the following information:
  • Your surname and first name
  • Your date and place of birth
  • Surname and first name of your parents
  • Your registration address
  • If known, the registration number and the registry office
  • If available, further proof, e.g. of legal interest or exemption from fees.
• Enclose a copy of your identity card or passport.

Electronic application:

• If the registry office offers an online option, go to the corresponding website.
• If necessary, log in using the online ID function of your ID card.
• Enter the required data and, if necessary, upload the required documents.
• Submit the application online.

usually 2 to 10 days