How can I change my name on my Dutch passport or ID card?

There are two situations in which a surname can be changed. One is if someone gets married or divorced. The other is adoption or acknowledgement of parentage. In these cases, a surname can be changed officially. The new surname will appear on the certificate that is issued for the marriage, divorce, adoption or acknowledgement of parentage. This certificate is official proof of the name change.

Please note: if you want to change your name when you get married, your marriage must be recognised in the Netherlands. A marriage is only considered valid if it is recognised in the Netherlands. If your marriage is not recognised in the Netherlands, you cannot change your name on your Dutch passport/ID card.

If your name is changed abroad but this change is not recognised in the Netherlands, or if your situation is different, you may be able to apply to the Integrity and Screening Agency to change your name.

Find about more about the conditions for name changeson the website of the Integrity and Screening Agency (in Dutch).

Reverting to your maiden name (your own surname)

If you are divorced or your partner or spouse has died and you want your passport/ID card to show your maiden name, you must apply for a new passport/ID card. You will need to submit a divorce certificate or your spouse or partner’s death certificate with your application.

Including a spouse or partner’s name on a passport or ID card

It is possible to include your current or former spouse or partner’s name on your passport or ID card. You can request this in your application for a passport or ID card.

Applying for a passport or ID card

After you change your name, your Dutch passport/ID card will no longer be valid. You will need to apply for a new passport/ID card.

Apply for a Dutch passport or ID card outside the Netherlands

To change your given name, you must apply to a court in the Netherlands. You will need a lawyer to help you with this. 

You can apply to change your given name via the website of the Dutch court.

After you change your given name, your Dutch passport/ID card will no longer be valid. You will need to apply for a new passport/ID card. 

Apply for a Dutch passport or ID card outside the Netherlands

If you have changed your name on your non-Dutch passport/ID card and you want your new name to appear on your Dutch passport/ID card, keep in mind that this is not always possible. You can only change your name on your Dutch passport/ID card if your name change is recognised in the Netherlands. Your new name is only considered valid if it is recognised in the Netherlands.

Recognised name change

Someone may want to change their surname when they get married or divorced, or in the case of adoption or acknowledgement of parentage. The marriage, divorce, adoption or acknowledgement of parentage must be recognised in the Netherlands in order to officially change the surname. The new surname will appear on the certificate issued for the marriage, divorce, adoption or acknowledgement of parentage. This document is official proof of the name change. You can apply to a Dutch court to change your given name.

After you change your surname, your Dutch passport/ID card will no longer be valid. You will need to apply for a new passport/ID card.

Apply for a Dutch passport or ID card outside the Netherlands

If a name change is not recognised

If you change your name outside the Netherlands and the change is not recognised in the Netherlands, you cannot change your name on your Dutch passport/ID card. This means that your non-Dutch passport/ID card will show a different name to your Dutch passport/ID card. Please note: you may encounter problems if your passports or ID cards show different names.

If you want to have a name change recognised in the Netherlands, you may be able to do this through the Integrity and Screening Agency in the Netherlands.

Find about more about the conditions for name changeson the website of the Integrity and Screening Agency (in Dutch).

After you change your given name, your Dutch passport/ID card will no longer be valid. You will need to apply for a new passport/ID card.

Apply for a Dutch passport or ID card outside the Netherlands