Birth certificate; issue

You must apply for a birth certificate at your local registry office.

Personal application:

• Go to the registry office responsible for your place of birth.
• You must present your identity card or passport to prove your identity.
• You usually pay the fee when you apply at the registry office.
• In addition to yourself, a person you trust may also order and collect the certificate on your behalf. To do this, the person must present:
  • a written authorisation from you,
  • Your identity card or passport (original or certified copy)
  • the identity card or passport of the authorised person.

Application by post or fax:

• Send 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
  • Surname, first name of parents
  • if known: Registry office and notarisation number
• Enclose a certified copy of your identity card or passport with the letter.
• You will receive a notification of fees when the certificate is sent to you by post.

Depending on what the city or municipality offers, you can also submit the application electronically via the registry office's website.

Please contact the registry office responsible for your place of birth.

Applications can be submitted:

• Eligible applicants (minimum age: 16 years):
  • the person to whom the birth certificate refers
  • the spouse or civil partner (within the meaning of the Registered Civil Partnership Act)
  • Ancestors and descendants of the person concerned
  • Siblings with a legitimate interest

Further requirements:

• Other persons, including close relatives such as aunts and uncles, only receive a certificate if they can credibly demonstrate a legal interest (e.g. by means of a letter from the probate court).

Note:
Civil status certificates contain personal data, so their issue is subject to data protection restrictions

You must submit your application:

• Your identity card or passport (if applying in writing: certified copy),
• if requested or collected by a representative:
  • Written authorisation from the authorised person,
  • their identity card (original or certified copy) or
  • Passport (original or certified copy) and
  • the identity card or passport of the authorised person.
• for other persons:
  • if necessary, proof of their legal interest.

• § Section 55(1)(4) of the Civil Status Act (PStG)
• § Section 59 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)
• § Section 62 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)
• § Section 50 Ordinance on Civil Status (PStV)
• Administrative cost regulations for the portfolio of the Ministry of the Interior and Sport

• Application for a court decision at the local court responsible for the registry office, Section 49 (1) PStG.

• Forms: no
• Online procedure possible: yes
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: no

• Birth certificate issue
• Birth certificate proves the birth of a person, their first and last names, place and date of birth and the details of their parents
• A birth certificate is issued on the basis of the birth register kept at the relevant registry office
• Applications can be submitted:
  • Eligible applicants (minimum age: 16 years):
    • the person to whom the birth certificate refers
    • the spouse or civil partner (within the meaning of the Registered Civil Partnership Act) ancestors and descendants of the person concerned
    • Siblings with a legitimate interest
    • Other persons, if they can credibly demonstrate a legal interest
• Information from: competent registry office
• Application is made at the registry office responsible for the place of birth