Changing your first name

Are you a citizen of the Netherlands? Would you like to be known by a different first name? For example, because you would like to have a more (or less) unique name? Or you would like to have the same name as a beloved relative? If so, it is possible to change your first name under Dutch law.

Lees deze informatie in het Nederlands

Applying to change your first name

Do you want to change your first name? If so, you will need a lawyer. Your lawyer will lodge a petition for a name change with the district court (link in Dutch). You will need to state the reason for the name change.

Laws and regulations

Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 1, artikel 4