Will my Dutch passport or ID card still be valid after my name change?

Your name change outside the Netherlands will be valid in the Netherlands if it is recognised in the Netherlands.

Change of surname

There are two situations in which a surname can be changed. One is following a change in someone’s personal situation, such as marriage or divorce. The other situation is adoption or acknowledgement of parentage. In these cases, a surname can be changed officially. The new surname will appear on the certificate issued for the marriage, divorce, adoption or acknowledgement of parentage. This certificate is official proof of the name change.

If your situation is different, you may be able to apply to the Integrity and Screening Agency to change your name. You will need to meet certain conditions for this.

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

Change of given name

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 canapply to change your given name via the website of the Dutch court.

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.

If you change your name, you will need proof of the name change to apply for a new passport/ID card. This must be an official document such as a court judgment, a civil status record or a Royal Decree. Bring an original of this document with you to your appointment.

Translating and legalising documents

You can submit documents written in Dutch, English, German or French. If you have documents in another language, you must first have them translated by a sworn translator.

Find out more about having foreign documents legalised

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.