After the wedding: what needs to be done?
Celebrate first. Then the paperwork, calmly.
After the wedding there are only a few fixed deadlines. Here you can see who you should inform and what changes for taxes, insurance and provisions for the future.
Answer a few short questions. The list adapts and shows typical steps for your situation.
Good to know: the official websites linked here are mostly in German. German terms are shown in brackets so you can find them there.
Your personal plan
Guidance only, not legal or tax advice.
Your progress is saved only on this device, not with us.
Your deadlines at a glance
Many organisational changes can be made step by step. For ID documents and other official papers, you should check any existing obligations promptly.
- Apply for a new ID card (Personalausweis)Responsible office: citizens’ office (Bürgeramt)without delay after the name change, unless you already have a valid passport in your new name
Deadlines can differ in individual cases, for example because of contracts, state law or special circumstances. Calculated dates are guide dates; what counts is the information from the responsible office. This overview helps you put the next steps in order. Depending on your situation, further urgent tasks may come up.
Step by step
- 1
Before and on the wedding day
Two things that save a lot of running around later.
A shared married name, a double-barrelled name, or each of you keeps your own: you usually declare this at the registry office (Standesamt). Changing it later is possible but more complicated.
Many offices want to see proof. With a few copies you save yourself trips.
- 2
In the first weeks
New name, shared home: now let people know.
With the name change, your ID card and passport in your old name become invalid. So apply for a new ID card at the citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) without delay. This does not apply if you already have a valid passport in your new name. If you need a document straight away, a temporary ID card is also available there.
For payroll and personnel records. Ask whether you are entitled to special leave for the wedding.
New cards, new names, updated contracts. At the bank, it is worth looking at the tax exemption order (Freistellungsauftrag), which doubles for married couples.
What do I say on the phone?
Say this in German:
„Ich habe geheiratet und heiße jetzt [neuer Name]. Was brauchen Sie von mir, damit Sie meine Daten ändern können?“
What it means:
“I have got married and my name is now [new name]. What do you need from me so that you can update my details?”
After a name change, the vehicle documents must be updated. You do not need to have your driving licence changed.
- 3
In the first months
Sort out taxes, insurance and provisions together.
After the wedding, you are automatically placed in tax classes IV and IV. If your incomes differ a lot, another combination may make sense.
Liability, household contents, legal expenses: often one joint policy is enough. You can then cancel duplicate contracts.
Shops, rail, clubs, loyalty cards, email addresses. Set aside a quiet evening for this.
A will, lasting power of attorney and advance healthcare directive also make sense for married couples. Spouses cannot automatically decide everything for each other.
This website offers general information and guidance for typical life situations. The checklist created from your answers is not a complete or binding review of your individual situation. Further obligations and deadlines may apply. Please clarify important legal questions and deadlines with the responsible offices. This service does not replace individual legal, tax or medical advice.