After your marriage in Zoetermeer, you can decide for yourself which surname you want to use. You have the choice to keep your own name, adopt your partner's name, or use a combination of both.
What options do you have?
When you get married, you can choose from the following options:
- Continue using your own surname
- Adopt your partner's surname
- A combination of your own name and your partner's name
- Your partner's name followed by your own name
Good to know
- Your official birth name always remains unchanged; you only choose a usage name
- It is possible to change your choice later
- On official documents such as your passport, your birth name always appears
- You can indicate to various authorities which name you want to use
Adjusting your name usage
Do you want to change your name usage? You can arrange this at:
| Authority | Method of adjustment |
|---|---|
| Municipality of Zoetermeer (BRP) | Via a form for name usage |
| Your employer | Report to the HR department |
| Your bank | Notify the bank of the change |
| Tax Authorities | Arrange via MijnOverheid |
After a divorce
If you are getting divorced, you have the following options:
- Return to your original birth name
- Continue using your ex-partner's name
- Adjust your choice at any time
Frequently asked questions about name change in Zoetermeer
Will my passport be updated if I use my partner's name?
No, your passport will always show your birth name. However, you can indicate to the Municipality of Zoetermeer which name you use in daily life.
Can my partner also adopt my surname?
Yes, both partners have the freedom to choose which name they want to use after the marriage.
Am I required to create a new signature?
No, you can continue using your current signature; it is not mandatory to change it.
Extra questions and answers
Is it mandatory to change my surname after marriage?
No, you are not required to change your surname. You can keep your own name, adopt your partner's name, or choose a combination. It remains a personal decision and your birth name always remains officially registered.
How do I report my new name to authorities in Zoetermeer?
You can notify the Municipality of Zoetermeer of your name usage via a special form in the Personal Records Database (BRP). In addition, you must also inform your employer, bank, and the Tax Authorities. For the Tax Authorities, this can be done via MijnOverheid.
Can I change my mind about my name later?
Yes, you always have the option to adjust your name usage, for example after a marriage or divorce. You arrange this via the Municipality of Zoetermeer with the name usage form.
What happens to my name after a divorce?
After a divorce, you can return to your birth name or continue using your ex-partner's name. You can arrange this via the municipality and notify other authorities such as your bank and employer.
What is our children's surname after the marriage?
Children are standardly given the father's surname, unless you choose the mother's name at the birth registration. You must agree on this together and indicate it to the Municipality of Zoetermeer. A later name change of a parent does not affect the children's names.
Do I need to update my driving license or passport?
No, your driving license and passport will remain on your birth name. You can have the municipality record which name you use. In some cases, a name usage declaration may be useful, for example when traveling.
Can I use a double surname?
Yes, you can choose a combination of your name and your partner's name, for example 'Smit-Van Dijk' or 'Van Dijk-Smit'. You indicate this to the Municipality of Zoetermeer. Keep in mind that not all authorities fully support double names.
For legal questions or advice, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer. For cases that go to court, Zoetermeer falls under the District Court of The Hague.