Administrative services A-Z

A certified printout from the register of births will be issued to you on request by the relevant registry office. The printout shows all the data that the registry office has entered in connection with your birth. You will receive the document, including any subsequent certifications, as a printout from the electronic register. This printout is legally equivalent to the birth certificate and can be presented instead of it in an official context.

In addition to the birth details (including the time of birth and additional information about the parents), the printout also contains subsequent changes, such as adoption, changes to the paternity of the child or name changes.

The exact time (hour and minute) of your birth will usually also be provided by the registry office on request, without the need to issue a certificate.

The personal data in the civil status registers are subject to data protection. Certified register printouts can therefore only be issued

• for persons to whom the entry relates

and their

• spouses,
• civil partners (within the meaning of the Civil Partnership Act),
• ancestors and descendants (such as parents or grandparents as well as children and grandchildren),
• Siblings, if they can prove a legitimate interest.

Other persons, including close relatives such as aunts and uncles, will only receive a certificate if they can credibly demonstrate a legal interest (examples: Letter from the probate court, court judgment or enforceable title).

Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

• Identity card, passport or eID (for written orders: certified copy)
• in case of application / collection by a representative: written power of attorney of the authorized person, their ID, passport or eID
• Proof of legal interest, if applicable

Applying in person

• Go to the registry office where the birth was registered.
• Present your identity card or passport to prove your identity.
• You usually pay the fee in advance when applying at the registry office.

A person you trust can order and collect the certificate on your behalf; your representative will present their own identity card or passport in addition to a written power of attorney.

Application by post or fax

• Send an informal letter to the relevant registry office with a request for a certified printout from the register of births. Depending on the services offered by the city or municipality, you may also find application forms on the Internet.
• Your letter must contain the following information:
  • Surname, first name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Surname, first name of parents
  • if known: Registry office and notarization number
• Please 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, unless you have already paid the fees.