Changing name usage

You may start using your partner's last name if you are married or registered partners. This is everyday use; your own official last name does not change. You do not need your partner's permission to do this.

To use your partner's last name, you have 3 options:

1. first your partner's name, followed by your own name;
2. first your own name, followed by your partner's name;
3. Your partner's name instead of your own.

You do not have to choose the same surname as the one your partner chooses.

You can register your name use in the Basic Registration of PersonsBRP) of the municipality where you are registered. The BRP passes this on to government agencies, such as the Tax Office, pension funds, the Water Board and the National Road Administration (RDW). They then use your chosen name in correspondence. On official documents, such as your passport, identity card or driver's license, your own surname remains. However, when applying for a passport or identity card, you can ask your municipality to include your partner's last name in your passport or identity card. This will appear under your own name.

Are you divorced or have you ended a registered partnership? Then you can continue to use your ex-partner's last name until you marry again or enter into a registered partnership. If your ex does not agree and there are no children, your ex-partner can ask the court to prohibit you from continuing to use your ex-partner's name.

Has your partner died? Then you can continue to use his or her last name until you marry again or enter into a registered partnership.

You can always take your original name again, even during your marriage or registered partnership. You do not need to submit a request or go through any procedures to do so. However, you do need to report the change to your municipality. Authorities that are connected to the BRP are automatically notified of the change. You must notify other institutions of the change yourself.