Choosing a child's last name
You can choose the last name yourself for your first child. You can give your child your own last name, that of your partner, or a combined last name. All subsequent children of you and your partner together will then automatically receive the same last name as your first child.
When you choose the last name
You determine the last name at the municipality before or when registering the birth. You and your partner go to the municipality together to have your child's last name registered. Call 14 0511 to make an appointment at the town hall.
Often, the mother cannot be present at the birth registration. Therefore, it is best to go to the municipality together before the birth.
Choosing a double surname
A new law will take effect on January 1, 2024: the introduction of combined surnames. This means that as parents, you can give your child not only one last name, but also a combination of both of your last names.
An example
Parents de Vries and Jansen will have their first child in 2024. They can choose the last names:
- de Vries
- Jansen
- de Vries Jansen
- Jansen de Vries
What last name does a child receive at birth?
You can choose which last name your child receives: yours or your partner's. If you do not make a choice, your child will automatically receive the last name that corresponds to your family situation according to the law. For more information, visit rijksoverheid.nl.
All children with the same last name
The surname you choose for your first child also applies to all subsequent children from the same relationship.
Double surname
If your first child is born together on or after January 1, 2024, you can also give your child a combination of both your surnames. Read more above under the heading Choosing a double surname.
How can I choose my child's last name?
At birth, your child can automatically receive the last name of the father or mother. If the child does not receive the name you want in this way, you must choose a name. In doing so, you choose the last name of the father, the mother, or the person who has acknowledged the child.
Conditions
When choosing a surname for your (newborn) child, at least one of the parents must have Dutch nationality.
How?
To choose a last name, you and your partner must visit the town hall in person. This is by appointment only.
Bring along
- Valid identification of yourself
- Valid identification of your partner
You and your partner will make a declaration of name choice together at the town hall.
The possibilities
These are the rules for choosing a name:
- Married parents and parents with a registered partnership
Married parents and parents with a registered partnership can choose a last name before the birth or at the birth registration. - Unmarried parents
Unmarried parents must choose a name when acknowledging your child. If you do not choose a name when acknowledging your first child, all children from this relationship will receive the mother's last name. - Single parent
Are you a single parent (widow or widower) and did your partner pass away before you chose a last name? Then you can choose the father's or mother's last name for your child.
Costs
Choosing a name is free of charge.
Please note: the last name you choose for your first child together applies to all children born from that same relationship. This choice of name is possible for children with Dutch nationality.
I'm getting married. Can I change my children's last name?
Did you choose a last name when your first child was recognized? And are you planning to marry or enter into a registered partnership with the other parent of your child(ren)? Then you can, once again, make a one-time choice of last name for your child(ren). You can only choose the last name of the other parent or, since January 1, 2024, a combination of both last names.
Procedure
This name change can only take place on the day you get married or register your partnership. You must both sign a deed of name choice. After that, a name change is no longer possible.
Therefore, inform the registrar of the municipality where you are getting married or registering your partnership well in advance if you want to change your child(ren)'s last name. For example, do this when submitting the Declaration of Marriage/Partnership Registration or when you reserve the date and location.
Age of children
Do you have multiple children under the age of sixteen? Then you can only change the name for all these children together. Is your child older than sixteen? Then the child must also sign the application themselves.
Costs
Changing the name is free of charge.
Please note: the choice of name made during the acknowledgment can only be changed upon marriage or partnership of the parents.
How do I change the last name of my stepchild or foster child to mine?
Stepchildren and foster children can get the last name of their caregiver. You must submit the request for a name change to Dienst Justis.
Applications
An application form for name changes can be downloaded from the website of Dienst Justis. You will also find a brochure about name changes there.
With your request, you must include a copy of the birth certificate of the person(s) for whom you are requesting a name change. In addition, other documents may be required. Please consult the brochure for this.
Decision
The ministry will decide on your request. A positive decision will be processed in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of your municipality.
Can my child choose their own last name?
A child who is 16 years or older at the time of recognition or adoption chooses their own last name.
A child of 18, 19 or 20 years old can change the choice of their parents once. The child can choose the name of the other parent by requesting a name change.