Choosing a Name, Explanation
- Before the birth or when registering the birth;
- You can choose the last name only for the first child from your current relationship:
- Both parents must come in person;
- Make an appointment;
- Please bring a valid form of identification.
Requests
Since the mother cannot always be present when the birth is registered, it is important to make this decision before the birth.
You can make an appointment to give your statement.
Bring along
- Your original, valid identification document;
- Both parents should come in person.
Costs
There is no charge for this service.
Terms and Conditions
If you do not choose a last name, your child will automatically receive the father’s or mother’s last name. This depends on your family situation.
Your child will automatically take the father’s last name. If you want your child to take the mother’s last name, you can have a certificate of name selection drawn up before or during the birth registration of your first child. Both parents must be present for this.
Your child will automatically take the mother’s last name. If you want the child to take the father’s last name, the father must acknowledge paternity. When acknowledging paternity of the first child born within the relationship, you can choose the father’s last name. Both parents must be present for this.
In certain cases, same-sex parents can also choose a name for their child. Would you like more information? Please visit the Dutch government’s website.