Geburtsurkunde beantragen

The birth certificate proves the birth of a person, their first and last names and the details of their parents. You can request a birth certificate at any time from the registry office in whose area you were born. The birth certificate is issued by the registry office that recorded the birth.

You can obtain the birth certificate in the following forms:

• Birth certificate
• International birth certificate
• Certified printout from the register of births

A certified printout from the register of births (previously the register of births) shows all the data entered by the registry office in connection with the birth;

You will receive the certificate, including any marginal notes, either as a

• a new printout from the electronic register (if already held by your registry office) or
• a copy or verbatim transcript of the birth entry from the register of births
  • in addition to the birth details (including time of birth and additional information about the parents), the printout also contains any subsequent changes, such as adoption or change of name
• Birth certificate in a restricted form, which does not contain any data on request:
  • gender
  • the parents
  • religious affiliation

You also have the option of applying for a certificate of time of birth. This certificate only contains information on the exact date and time of birth of the person to be certified and is not considered a civil status certificate

To apply for a birth certificate, you will need

• Your identity card or passport (if applying in writing: certified copy, online you must authenticate yourself electronically with the new identity card),

• if applying or collecting by a representative: written authorization from the authorized person, their identity card or passport (original or certified copy) and the identity card or passport of the representative

• for other persons, proof of their legal interest.

Birth certificates contain personal data, so their issue is subject to data protection restrictions.

Authorized applicants (minimum age: 16 years):

• the person to whom the birth certificate relates

• the parents

• the spouse or civil partner (within the meaning of the Registered Civil Partnership Act (Lebenspartnerschaftsgesetz - LPartG))

• the direct ancestors and descendants of the person concerned (in the direct line)

• Siblings with a legitimate interest

Other persons, including close relatives such as aunts and uncles, will only receive a certificate if they can credibly demonstrate a legal interest (e.g. through a letter from the probate court, court judgment or enforceable title).

Personal application

Apply in person as follows:

• An appointment may be required to apply in person.

• You must present your identity card or passport.

• You pay the fee directly at the registry office when you apply.

In addition to yourself, a person you trust may also order and collect the certificate on your behalf. In addition to a written power of attorney, they must present their own identity card or passport (original or certified copy).

Application by post:

The written application is made as follows:

• Address an informal letter to the relevant registry office asking them to issue you with a birth certificate.

• Your letter should contain the following information:

  • Surname, first name

  • Date and place of birth

  • if known: Registry office and certification number

• Enclose a certified copy of your identity card or passport with the letter.

• You will then receive a notification of fees.

• Once you have provided proof of payment of the fees (e.g. by sending another email with a copy of your bank statement), the birth certificate will be sent to you immediately by post.

Online application

You can also apply for the certificate online.

The certified printout from the register of births replaces the former certificate of parentage (abolished on 01.01.2009). If the child's personal details change, for example due to a subsequent acknowledgement of paternity or a change of name by the parents, the birth entry is supplemented by a subsequent certification. A new birth certificate can be issued on application.

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

Birth certificate issue

• The birth certificate proves the birth of a person, their first and last names and the details of their parents.
• You can request a birth certificate at any time from the registry office in the place of birth.