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Documents & identity

Take back your former surname

Official name: Resume a former surname after dissolution

Has your marriage or partnership ended? Then your name stays the same at first. Here you see how you can get a former surname back and which papers matter for it.

Check what applies to me

No account · Answers stay in your browser

Steps
7 key steps, up to 16 depending on your situation
For you
5 short questions, then you see your steps
Main office
Standesamt
Costs
none named in the sources
Online
possible for 1 of 16 steps
What applies to you?How it worksFrequently asked questionsSourcesSimilar plans

How it works

These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.

  1. 1Check if you want your former nameAfter a marriage or partnership ends, your name stays the same. Resumption means: you take back a former name.Key step
    Why?
    Your name does not change by itself. The declaration for it is possible only once. So it is worth planning well.
    What you do
    Resumption is its own route at the Standesamt. The Standesamt is the civil registry office for names, births and marriages.
    Where?
    StandesamtDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Distinguish keeping and resuming a surname

    Dissolution does not automatically change your surname. Resumption is a separate civil-registry route; the declaration is possible only once.

    SourceNamensänderung nach Auflösung der Ehe oder Partnerschaft
    Namensänderung nach Auflösung der Ehe oder Partnerschaft

    oesterreich.gv.at / BMJ · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  2. 2Have the right path confirmedThere are different ways to change a name. This is about a name you lawfully had before. Lawfully means: officially and allowed.Key step
    Why?
    Do you want a completely new name? Then a different process applies. So you first clarify the right route.
    What you do
    If your name law is unclear, ask the Standesamt. Name law means the rules about which name applies to you.
    Where?
    StandesamtDirectly with the named service
    Related plansChange your name
    In detail

    Confirm the relevant name route first

    Ask the civil registry if personal name law is unclear. Clarify a different route for a new name rather than a previously lawful surname.

    SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
    Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

    Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  3. 3Show that the marriage has endedYou show that your latest marriage or partnership has ended. This is called dissolution, for example through a divorce.Key step
    Why?
    The latest marriage or partnership must be dissolved. Only then can you resume the name.
    What you do
    Is it unclear whether the dissolution is valid? Or does the decision come from abroad? Then first ask the Standesamt to check it.
    Where?
    StandesamtDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Evidence dissolution before resuming the name

    The latest marriage or partnership must be dissolved. Ask the civil registry to review unclear effect or a foreign decision first.

    SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
    Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

    Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  4. 4Gather the right certificatesHere you collect the papers that fit your case. For example your birth certificate and the certificate of your latest marriage.Key step
    Why?
    With the right papers, the Standesamt can check your name. You only need the documents that apply to you.
    What you do
    Possible papers are proof of dissolution, photo ID or a Meldebestätigung. Photo ID is an ID card with your picture. For foreign certificates, agree the format with the Standesamt.
    Where?
    StandesamtDirectly with the named service

    What you need

    • Your birth certificate
      Document explained

      Evidence birth details and original name.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
      Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

      Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Citizenship certificate
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      Prepare Austrian evidence.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
      Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

      Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Convention travel document
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      Prepare for recognised refugee status.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
      Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

      Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Official photo ID
      Document explained

      Evidence identity for the procedure.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceNamensänderung nach Auflösung der Ehe oder Partnerschaft
      Namensänderung nach Auflösung der Ehe oder Partnerschaft

      oesterreich.gv.at / BMJ · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Certificate of the latest marriage or partnership
      Document explained

      Evidence the latest union.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
      Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

      Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Evidence of the latest dissolution
      Document explained

      Agree a final decision or relevant evidence with the civil registry.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
      Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

      Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Certificate of the earlier name-giving union
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      Where the surname originates from an earlier union.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
      Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

      Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Dissolution of that earlier union
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      Evidence dissolution of the earlier name-giving union.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
      Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

      Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Relevant child birth certificates
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      Only where required for this matter.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
      Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

      Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Evidence of children’s overseas residence
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      Ask the registry about form.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
      Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

      Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Residence confirmation or requested register lookup
      Document explained

      On request the authority may replace the confirmation with a register lookup.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceNamensänderung nach Auflösung der Ehe oder Partnerschaft
      Namensänderung nach Auflösung der Ehe oder Partnerschaft

      oesterreich.gv.at / BMJ · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Gather records of the latest and earlier union

    Gather only relevant evidence. Agree format and requirements individually for another status, name history or foreign certificates.

    SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
    Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

    Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  5. 5Book an appointment at the officeAn appointment is a set time when you go to the office. Here you arrange the appointment and route for your declaration.Key step
    Why?
    This way you know when and where things continue. You also know which papers you need.
    What you do
    You can make the declaration at any Standesamt in Austria. Clarify the appointment, the format of your papers and the next step. Do you already have an appointment? Then check it first.
    Where?
    Gewähltes StandesamtDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Check an existing appointment or agree the route

    Declaration is possible at any Austrian civil registry. Clarify appointment, evidence format and next action; check an existing arrangement first if appointment status is unclear.

    SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
    Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

    Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  6. 6Make your declarationNow you make the declaration. With it you officially say: I want my former name back.Key step
    Why?
    With the declaration, your name can change. It is possible only once.
    What you do
    Go to the chosen Standesamt with the agreed papers. Keep the receipt and the confirmed name safe. The app does not make the declaration for you.
    Where?
    Gewähltes StandesamtDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Make the one-time declaration through the agreed route

    Use the chosen civil registry and agreed records. Retain the confirmed name and evidence; the app does not declare for you.

    SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
    Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

    Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  7. 7Get proof of your new nameProof is a paper that shows something is true. Here it shows what your name is now.Key step
    Why?
    Other offices want to know your name now. With the proof you can update your other documents.
    What you do
    Keep the proof from the Standesamt safe. Also keep papers that link your old and new names. Start further applications only after the change is confirmed.
    Where?
    StandesamtDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Evidence the actual new surname

    Retain the registry evidence and link between old and new surnames. Prepare subsequent applications using the confirmed change.

    SourceNamensänderung nach Auflösung der Ehe oder Partnerschaft
    Namensänderung nach Auflösung der Ehe oder Partnerschaft

    oesterreich.gv.at / BMJ · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source

Depending on your situation, this is added

  • Check if you already used the declaration
  • Show you had the name before
  • Sort out your children's names
  • Ask what it costs
  • Ask how things are going
  • Send what the Standesamt still needs
  • Update your passport before travelling
  • Update your citizenship proof
  • Check whether to update your driving licence
Use the questions to find out which of these apply to you
Tailored to you

What applies to you?

Answer a few short questions. The steps change right away: what does not apply to you drops out.

Question 1 of at most 5

How far along are you with taking back your former surname?

What is meant? This asks how far along you are. Resumption means: you take back a former surname.

What is the resumption stage?
  • No sign-up needed
  • Nothing is sent to authorities
  • You submit applications yourself

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this online?

1 of 16 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.

What does it cost?

No costs are recorded for these steps in the linked sources. Fees may still apply.

Do I need an einfach.wien account?

No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.

Does einfach.wien submit my application?

No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.

What this page is based on

The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.

SourceNamensänderung nach Auflösung der Ehe oder Partnerschaft
Namensänderung nach Auflösung der Ehe oder Partnerschaft

oesterreich.gv.at / BMJ · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceFrüheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen
Früheren Familiennamen wieder annehmen

Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceReisepass und aktueller Name
Reisepass und aktueller Name

oesterreich.gv.at / BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceNamensänderung im Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis
Namensänderung im Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis

oesterreich.gv.at / BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceNamensänderung im Führerschein
Namensänderung im Führerschein

oesterreich.gv.at / BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source

Similar plans

Change your nameApply for a passportGet a citizenship certificateSet up ID AustriaRequest residence confirmationOrder another birth certificate
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