Declarations under the Self-Identification Law

General

The Self-Identification Law regarding Gender Entry (SBGG) makes it easier for transgender, intersex, and non-binary persons with German citizenship or primary residence in Germany to have their gender entry and first names changed. The Law came into force on November 1, 2024.

Competent Authority

The declaration regarding the amendment of one's gender entry and the choice of new first names must be submitted to a German civil registry office.

The competent authority is the civil registry office where the declaring person is registered in the birth register or, alternatively, in the marriage register. For a person who does not yet possess a German civil status certificate, the competent authority is the civil registry office of their last place of residence in Germany; if they have never resided in Germany, the competent authority is Standesamt I in Berlin.

In the case of German nationals with their primary residence abroad, a German mission may officially certify the declaration and submit it to the responsible civil registry office.

Registering the Declaration

The intention to submit a declaration under the SBBG must be registered at least three months prior to the submission of the declaration.

Registration may be done in person: verbally at a German civil registry office, or in writing with personal signature and a copy of a passport or national identity card by mail, addressed to the responsible German civil registry office. German missions abroad are not authorized to handle such registrations.

You may use this form for written registration.

Submission of the Declaration

Once your registration has been confirmed, you may schedule an appointment with your German mission abroad (see link below); this appointment should take place between three and five months after the date of registration. The declaration must be received by the German Civil Registry Office no later than six months after registration; otherwise, the registration will expire.

Please bring the following documents with you when submitting your declaration:

• Declaration form

• Your passport or national identity card. If you do not possess a German identity document, you must also provide proof of your German citizenship.

• Birth certificate (if born abroad, this may require a translation and an apostille)

• Marriage certificate (if applicable; if married abroad, this may require a translation and an apostille)

• Confirmation that the declaration has been registered with the Civil Registry Office in Germany

• For dual citizenship holders: if a change to your gender entry and/or first names has already been completed abroad, you must provide documentary proof of this change.

The mission abroad will officially certify your signature on the declaration and forward the declaration, along with the supporting documents, to the competent Civil Registry Office.

When submitting the declaration to change your gender entry, you must specify the first names you wish to use henceforth. These first names must correspond to the gender entry you have selected.

The declaration becomes legally effective upon its receipt by the German Civil Registry Office. On the basis of a certificate issued by the Civil Registry Office, you may then apply for a new passport reflecting your updated details. A subsequent declaration under the SBGG (Self-Identification Law) may not be submitted until one year has elapsed.

Declaration by Minors

Minors who have reached the age of 14 have to submit the declaration to change their gender entry and first names themselves; however, they require the consent of their legal representative (typically one or both parents). Should the legal representative refuse to grant consent, a German Family Court may substitute this consent. In the declaration, the minor affirms that they received prior advice from an appropriate body (e.g., a youth welfare provider or a qualified psychological professional). The declaration form for minors aged 14 and above is available here.

For minors who have not yet reached the age of 14, the legal representative (typically one or both parents) submits the declaration to change the gender entry and first names. However, the child's consent is required if they have reached the age of five. The legal representative must affirm that they have received prior advice from an appropriate body. The declaration form for minors under the age of 14 is available here.

A subsequent declaration under the SBGG may be submitted even before the expiration of one year.

Appointment Booking

To submit the declaration at the Embassy in Wellington or to the Honorary Consul in Auckland, please book an appointment via our online booking system under the category „Certification of signatures or copies and collection of certificates“. To submit the declaration to the Honorary Consul in Christchurch, please arrange an appointment directly by email or telephone.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Embassy via this contact form. Further information regarding the law can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.