After naturalization

Congratulations on receiving your naturalization certificate!

Often, after naturalization, you may want to change your first or last name, either partially or entirely. This process can usually be done directly at the registry office. A simple spelling adjustment can be completed in just a few minutes. You can then visit the appropriate authorities, such as the Bürgerbüro, to apply for your German passport. If you plan to stay within the European Union, an identity card will suffice. However, to travel internationally, you will need a passport.

If you’ve changed your name, you will also need to update your driver’s license, which costs just €8.70 (as of 2012).

Additionally, it may be necessary to inform your bank and employer about your change of nationality and, if applicable, your name change.

Here are some places that might need to know about your name and/or nationality change:

• Bank or savings bank
• Vehicle registration office
• Telephone and mobile phone providers
• Your travel agent, if you have booked a trip recently