Changing your first name: procedure, costs and our successful approach
Did your birth registration include a spelling error in your first name or not include your second first name? Would you like to change your first name or add an additional first name in memory of a loved one?
We understand your desire to change your first name or add one to it. We have a proven procedure and great success with requested first name changes. We adopt a personal approach in which we discuss your wishes to change your first name and use it in the substantiation before the court.
As a well-regarded law firm with good client experience and reviews, we can help. Clients give us 5 stars.
An additional advantage is that we can apply for a change of first name in any court in the Netherlands. The court we file with is determined by where you live. We also specialize in family law, which means we have extensive knowledge and experience to advise and guide you through complex family matters. This specialization allows us to act quickly and effectively and provide a personalized approach tailored to your unique situation.
Costs of Name change
The cost for a first name change is €899. The amount consists of three components:
- Court fee: €314
These are the fees charged by the court to process your request for a first name change. - Attorney fees: €585
This includes costs for a comprehensive explanation, advice tailored to your situation, preparation and filing of the first name change request with the court. Thanks to our thorough approach, you have a very high chance of successfully changing your name our ratio is currently 1:350. We will guide you through this process from start to finish. - Extract of birth certificate: € 0.
If you already have this extract in your own possession, there is no charge. Should you want us to apply for this for you, the cost is €75.
Free consultation: do you qualify for a first name change? Click here for your free consultation.
Procedure to change first name
The application process for a first name change has six clear steps:
- Intake interview
- Drafting petition
- Petition to court
- Judge’s assessment
- Change in marital status
- You have a new first name
Remote advice via video calling
You are welcome for an initial no-obligation intake at our office in Maarssen – Utrecht. If an appointment at the office is not possible, we also offer the option of an appointment via video calling. No matter where you live, in the Netherlands or abroad, we always guarantee quality and personal contact.
Free consultation: do you qualify for a first name change?
We now provide a free consultation where we consider whether you may qualify for a first name change based on your personal situation.
Reasons for changing a first name
- In memory of a family member or loved one
You would like to change or add a first name to honor someone special to you. This can include a dear family member such as a grandfather, grandmother, father or mother, or a beloved nickname from a loved one. - Psychological hindrance or suffering
Your first name brings up unpleasant memories from the past. This could include the family you grew up in or another situation that evokes traumatic memories for you. Maybe you expect your child’s name will be a source of bullying in the future. You may have experienced bullying in the past, at school or work. - Cultural origin or foreign first name
Your first name was a common first name in your country of birth, but it is not appropriate in the Netherlands because the name has a different meaning or is consistently mispronounced. - X status in intersex or nonbinary persons
Intersex or non-binary individuals who wish to obtain x status can change their first name to one that is more appropriate. - Incorrect birth declaration
The declaration of birth did not go well. For example, a first name was overlooked or a spelling error was made on the birth certificate. - Personal and emotional identification
The first name obtained from your parents does not suit you or you are named after a relative or acquaintance with whom you have nothing in common or do not even know. - Faith
A first name does not fit with a new faith you have adopted. - After adoption
You are adopted and have a foreign or Dutch first name that does not suit you. - First name does not match married surname
You are getting married and want to adopt your future spouse’s surname, but your first name does not match the surname.
To prepare a petition for a first name change, you need a lawyer
Adding, changing or deleting one or more first names requires a court order. For the first name change, you will need a lawyer. On your behalf, the lawyer may ask the court in a petition to add, change or remove one or more first names.
Based on the petition, the judge makes a decision on whether there is a good reason to change the first name. For the judge, your motivation for changing your first name is very important. Therefore, it is important that your lawyer carefully articulate your reasons and make the right argument.
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How much does changing a first name cost?
To change your first name in the Netherlands, the petition requires a fee that the court considers to cover the name change as a whole. The fee is not calculated per letter or per word.
The cost for a first name change is €899. The amount consists of three components:
- Court fee: €314
These are the fees charged by the court to process your request for a first name change. - Attorney fees: €585
This includes costs for a comprehensive explanation, advice tailored to your situation, preparation and filing of the first name change request with the court. Thanks to our thorough approach, you have a very high chance of successfully changing your name. We will guide you through this process from start to finish. - Extract of birth certificate: € 0.
If you already have this extract in your own possession, there is no charge. Should you want us to apply for this for you, the cost is €75.
Free consultation: do you qualify for a first name change? Click here for your free consultation.
Please read our positive reviews by clients who have gone before you. Please feel free to contact us to get acquainted. During our conversation, we can assess the feasibility of your wishes.
Addition (subsidized legal aid)
The government(Legal Aid Board) only rarely (and, as far as we are concerned, unfairly) provides an addition (subsidized legal aid).
Very exceptionally, an addition is granted for a first name change at sufficient importance. This is when there is “demonstrable interference with social functioning.” The Legal Aid Board assumes that there is a demonstrable hindrance to social functioning if the litigant has been receiving treatment for this for some time from an expert care provider, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
How long does the first name change procedure take?
The average time for changing first names is between two and six months. It varies depending on the court where your request is heard. There are a total of six steps in the procedure for a first name change.
Here is an overview of the timeline:
- Intake meeting with the lawyer (within a week)
During this conversation, we will discuss the reason and your motivation for the name change. - Submit petition (within two weeks).
We prepare and file the petition with the court. The reason and motivation are clearly described so that the court has a clear understanding of your situation. - Judge’s ruling (usually within two months)
This may vary, as some courts may seek additional advice from the district attorney and/or the relevant municipality. - Waiting for final amendment (over three months after ruling)
After the court’s ruling, the appeal period (three months) must be waited before the name change is officially processed by the municipality. - Processing in marital status
Your new first name will be officially registered with the municipality. - Requesting new documents
Once the name is changed, you can apply for new identity documents, such as a passport, ID card and driver’s license with your new first name on it.
Note: The duration of the procedure may be affected if no Dutch birth certificate is available. In such cases, such as a foreign birth certificate, the procedure may take longer. The foreign certificate must then be converted, or a replacement birth certificate can be requested.
Six easy steps to change a first name
Changing a first name is a straightforward process consisting of six steps. We want you to know exactly what to expect and follow along with your first name change process.
Intake interview
The intake interview is non-binding and free of charge. We will discuss your reason for wanting to change your first name.
To save travel time and costs, the introductory meeting can be by phone, email or video call. In this way, you can save travel time and costs. Of course, you are also welcome to visit our office in Maarssen (Utrecht) or Amsterdam.
Drafting of petition
We prepare the petition that contains the rationale for the desired change. This may be a change, an addition or a deletion of one or more first names.
Then, we send the petition to you in draft form for additions or changes. It is important to ensure that the desired first name is written flawlessly and that all reasoning is worded correctly.
Filing petition with court
After you approve the petition, we send the petition to the court.
A recent copy of your birth certificate, not older than three months, shall be attached to the petition. If you were born abroad, an original birth certificate will suffice. If the birth certificate has not been converted to a Dutch certificate, this can be requested from the court in the same first name change procedure. You can also choose to do this yourself at the Hague municipality. For more information, see the Hague City Council website. If you do not have a birth certificate or you cannot obtain one because you cannot return to your native country, a replacement birth certificate may be requested in addition to a request for a first name change.
Assessment by court
The court assesses whether the request meets the requirements and is based on sound reasoning.
The pronouncement of a first name change is usually in writing, without a hearing. This means that you do not have to come to court for an oral hearing.
With this, the assignment of the new first name is not yet official. First, the statutory three-month period to appeal must be waited.
Changing birth certificate and updating BRP
After the statutory three-month period has passed, the court sends the ruling to the municipality where your birth certificate is located. If you were born abroad, the ruling will be sent to the municipality of The Hague.
Then the registrar adds the record of the changed first name behind the original birth certificate and (for people living in the Netherlands) makes the changes in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP). Government organizations connected to the BRP receive the changes automatically. Your bank, insurance company and other agencies, such as your workplace and sports club, will require an update from you.
Your first name is officially changed once it is added to your birth certificate by the municipality.
The new first name is official
Renew passport, ID card and driver’s license
With the official assignment of your new first name, you will need a new passport, ID card or driver’s license. You can request these documents when your name change is processed in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP).
After the name change, your old IDs are no longer valid.
Request a replacement diploma with your official first name
With the official assignment of your new first name, you have the option of requesting a replacement copy of your diploma, certificate or grade transcripts with your new first name on it. However, the options depend on the type of diploma.
At the Department of Education (DUO) you can apply for a replacement diploma.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Here you will find frequently asked questions from clients about first name changes.
How much does changing the first name cost per letter?
It is a misconception that the cost of changing the first name depends on the number of letters. See also What does changing the first name cost?
Can I change my first name if I live abroad or was born abroad?
If you were born abroad and you live in the Netherlands, in many cases it is possible to have your first name changed.
Your request for a change of first name will be sent to the Hague District Court. If the judge rules in favor, the written ruling will be sent to the Hague municipality. Then the birth certificate will be updated and the change is final.
In case your birth certificate is not yet registered at the Hague Civil Registry, this will first have to be done by you yourself or you can apply to the court for a change of first name in the first name procedure.
By the way, even if you live abroad as a Dutch citizen, you can ask the Dutch court to change your first name.
What are the conditions for changing a first name?
In the Netherlands, you can choose your own first name. There is no mandatory list of names. The two main conditions for changing a first name are:
– the first name change must have a sufficiently compelling interest.
– the new first name should not be an inappropriate name or surname unless it is a common first name.
For example, someone can bear the first name “Mensje”. The first name “Woman” is not allowed because it is a description of a capacity.
By the way, even if you live abroad as a Dutch citizen, you can ask the Dutch court to change your first name.
Can the first name of a child (under 18) be changed?
As a parent or guardian with the joint or parental custody of your child, it is possible to file a request to change a first name of the child. It is also possible to add or delete one or more first names. This is regulated by law.
Based on article 1:4 of the Civil Code, the court may, at the request of the person wishing to amend the first name or at the request of its legal representative, amend a first name.
By the way, even if you live abroad as a Dutch citizen, you can ask the Dutch court to change your first name.
As a transgender person, how can I change my first name?
Do you want to change your first name as a transgender person? With us, you have come to the right place. We are one of the pioneers in the Netherlands in this field.
By the way, even if you live abroad as a Dutch citizen, you can ask the Dutch court to change your first name.
Can I change my last name or gender name?
It is possible to change your family name or surname.
Changing a surname is handled by Justis. Justis is the screening authority of the Ministry of Justice and Security in the field of integrity.
The request for a different last name is through the application procedure from Justis. You are not required to hire a lawyer to want to change your last name.
By the way, even if you live abroad as a Dutch citizen, you can ask the Dutch court to change your first name.
Can I change my first name as x-status?
Simmelink Lawyers is the pioneer for obtaining x-status. We know exactly what it takes in the process of obtaining x-status. Given that a gender-neutral status often aligns more appropriately with a different first name than the current one, we combine the application for x-status with a request to change the first name.
By the way, even if you live abroad as a Dutch citizen, you can ask the Dutch court to change your first name.
