Adding a preferred name to official documents

When can you have your preferred name officially registered?

The court assesses whether there is a compelling reason within the meaning of Article 1:4 of the Dutch Civil Code. For a preferred name that has been used in practice for a long time, the following factors are relevant:

Duration and consistency of use

• The preferred name has been used for years in daily life: at work, at school, and by friends and family.
• The name is listed on informal documents, email addresses, business cards, or in other social contexts.
• There is little to no use of the official name outside of formal documents.

Discrepancy and inconvenience

• The difference between the official name and the preferred name regularly causes confusion with official authorities, healthcare providers, or when traveling.
• Diplomas, employment contracts, or other important documents are in a name that no one uses.
• Explanations are constantly required during identification regarding the difference between the name used and the official name.

Origin of the preferred name

• The preferred name was given by the parents at birth or in early childhood but was not registered.
• Over the course of life, the name has become the permanent name in use, independent of the official name.
• The official name is a baptismal name or formal name that was never put into use.

Whether the specific circumstances provide sufficient grounds depends on the concrete situation. The court assesses each petition individually.

Add or replace?

There are two routes for registering a preferred name:

Adding a preferred name as an additional first name

The preferred name is added alongside the existing first names. The official name remains, and the preferred name appears with it. This is a suitable option if the existing name is still used, for example within the family circle, or if a conscious choice is made to keep both names.

Replacing the official name with a preferred name

The existing first name is replaced by the preferred name. This is a full first name change. All official documents are adjusted. This is the most far-reaching option and requires a careful substantiation of the compelling reason.

If there is doubt about which route is most suitable, Simmelink Lawyers will discuss this during a consultation.

How does the procedure work?

1. Assessment of the situation
   Simmelink Lawyers discusses the use of the preferred name, the discrepancy with the official name, and what substantiation is available.
2. Drafting the petition
   The petition is substantiated with the actual use of the preferred name, its duration, and the concrete burden of the discrepancy. Supporting documentation such as employer statements, school documents, or correspondence can strengthen the petition.
3. Filing with the court
   The lawyer files the petition. In most cases, the petition is settled without a hearing. If the judge deems an oral hearing necessary, the lawyer will guide you through it.
4. Ruling and registration
   Once granted, the change is added to the birth certificate as a subsequent entry. The change takes effect after the three-month appeal period has expired. After that, the passport, BRP, ID card, and other documents can be updated.

Practical examples

Preferred name in use for fifty years

In one case, a client had official first names registered at birth that were never used. The preferred name given by the parents at birth was not in the BRP. The client had been known exclusively by the preferred name for more than fifty years, including on diplomas and in the work environment. The petition was substantiated by the long-term and consistent use of the name. The court allowed the addition.

Discrepancy between passport and daily use

A client had an official first name that no one used, not even within the family circle. During every identification, it had to be explained that the name on the passport differed from the name by which they were known. The petition recorded the concrete practical consequences of this discrepancy. The judge assessed the petition and allowed the addition of the preferred name as the first given name.

Preferred name forgotten during birth registration

In one case, the preferred name was not included in the birth registration, even though the parents had intended for this to be the name. The official name that was registered was never used. The petition was substantiated based on the circumstances surrounding the registration and the long-term actual use. The court allowed the change.

Content verified by the team at Simmelink Lawyers, specialized in name law and family law.

Duration and costs

• The procedure takes an average of up to six months from the time of filing with the court.
• The court fee is €341 for all courts in the Netherlands.
• The fixed legal fee for Simmelink Lawyers is €619. You can read more about the cost structure on our costs for changing a first name page.

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