Birth certificate; application

The following persons over the age of 16 can submit an application:

• The person to whom the entry in the register refers.
• Ancestors and descendants, e.g. parents, children or grandchildren (relationship must be explained and, if necessary, proven).
• Siblings, if they can credibly demonstrate a legitimate interest (family relationship must be explained and, if necessary, proven).
• Other persons who can prove a legal interest, for example by means of a letter from the probate court, a court judgement or an enforceable title.

Birth certificates and certified register printouts can only be requested from the registry office up to 110 years after notarisation in the register of births. The archive of the municipality to which the registry office belongs is responsible for older entries.

Personal application:

• Bring your identity card or passport with you.
• Your family relationship must be explained and, if necessary, proven
• An authorised person must bring a written power of attorney as well as the identity card or passport (original or copy) of the person granting the power of attorney and their own identity card or passport.

Written application:

• Enclose a copy of your identity card or passport.
• Your family relationship must be explained and, if necessary, proven.

• Fee for a birth certificate: EUR 12.00
• Fee for a notarised printout: EUR 12.00
• Fee for a multilingual birth certificate: EUR 12.00
• Fee for issuing a translation aid (multilingual form pursuant to Art. 7 Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1191): EUR 12.00

• § Section 61 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)
• § Section 50 Ordinance on Civil Status (PStV)
• § Section 53 Ordinance on Civil Status (PStV)

Application for a court decision at the local court responsible for the registry office

You can request a birth certificate from the registry office responsible for the place of birth in person (an appointment may be required), in writing or, where applicable, electronically.

Please check with the registry office in advance to find out the fees and the available payment options.

Personal application

• An appointment may be necessary for a personal application.
• Bring your identity card or passport with you.
• You pay the fee directly at the registry office when you apply.
• A trusted person can also order and collect the certificate on your behalf. This person will need a written authorisation as well as your identity card or passport (original or copy) and your identity card or passport.

Written application:

• Send an informal letter to the relevant registry office asking for the birth certificate to be issued.
• Your letter should contain the following information:
  • Your surname and first name
  • Your date and place of birth
  • Surname and first name of your parents
  • Your registration address
  • If known, the notarisation number and the registry office
  • If available, further evidence, for example of a legal interest or exemption from fees.
• Enclose a copy of your identity card or passport.

Electronic application:

• If the registry office offers an online option, go to the corresponding website.
• If necessary, log in using the online ID function of your ID card.
• Enter the required data and, if necessary, upload the required documents.
• Send the application online.

usually 2 to 10 days