After your marriage, in Rijswijk you have the option to determine which surname you want to bear. You can keep your own name, adopt your partner's surname, or use a combination of both.
Options for Name Usage
Upon marriage, in Rijswijk you can choose from the following options:
- Continue using your own surname
- Adopt your partner's surname
- A combination: your own name followed by your partner's
- A combination: your partner's name followed by your own
Good to Know
- Your official birth name always remains unchanged; you are only choosing a usage name
- It is possible to change your name choice later
- Documents such as your passport remain on your birth name
- You can indicate to various authorities which name you want to use
Procedure for Name Change
You arrange the change of your name usage with the following authorities:
| Authority | Method of Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Municipality of Rijswijk (BRP) | Via a form for name usage |
| Employer | Report to HR or administration |
| Bank | Notify the bank of the change |
| Tax Authorities | Via your account on MijnOverheid |
After a Divorce
In the event of a divorce in Rijswijk, you can:
- Revert to your original birth name
- Continue bearing your ex-partner's surname
- Adjust your choice at a later time
Frequently Asked Questions about Name Usage
Will my passport be updated if I choose my partner's name?
No, your passport always remains on your birth name. However, you can have the municipality of Rijswijk record 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 use a new signature?
No, you can continue using your existing signature, regardless of your name choice.
Additional Questions about Name Changes
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. This is entirely your own decision, and your birth name always remains officially registered.
How do I report my new name to authorities?
You can notify the municipality of Rijswijk of your name usage via a form in the Personal Records Database (BRP). Additionally, you can notify your employer, bank, and the Tax Authorities (via MijnOverheid). Make sure to do this in time to prevent misunderstandings.
Can I change my mind about my name later?
Yes, you can adjust your name usage at any time, both after a marriage and after a divorce. You arrange this via the municipality of Rijswijk with the name usage form. It provides flexibility to adapt your name to your situation.
What happens to my name after a divorce?
After a divorce, you can choose to use your birth name again or retain your ex-partner's name. You can arrange this via the municipality of Rijswijk and notify relevant authorities such as your bank and employer.
What is our children's surname after the marriage?
Children standardly receive the father's surname, unless at the birth registration you choose the mother's name. You must decide this jointly and notify the municipality of Rijswijk. A later name change of a parent does not affect the children's names.
Do I need to renew my driving license or passport after a name change?
No, your driving license and passport remain on your birth name. You can have the municipality of Rijswijk register which name you use. In some cases, such as when traveling, a name usage declaration may be useful.
Can I combine both my own name and my partner's?
Yes, you can use a double name, for example 'Jansen-Van Dijk' or 'Van Dijk-Jansen'. You indicate this to the municipality of Rijswijk via the name usage form. Note that not all authorities always accept double names.
Contact and Support
For questions or help with name changes, you can contact the municipality of Rijswijk. Additionally, for legal advice, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk. For complex matters, the District Court of The Hague (district) may be involved.