Procedure for Changing the First Name and Gender Entry for Trans/Intersex/Non-Binary (TIN) Persons

On 1 November 2024, the »Gender Registration Act« (»Gesetz über die Selbstbestimmung in Bezug auf den Geschlechtseintrag«, SBGG), also known as »Self-Determination Act« (»Selbstbestimmungsgesetz«), came into effect in Germany.

This legislation makes it easier for trans/intersex/non-binary people to have their gender entry and first names changed in the civil register. Changes can be requested by submitting a declaration to the registry office (Standesamt). 

The SBGG replaces the Transsexuals Act (TSG) of 1980. A court decision is no longer required on applications, and there is no longer a need to obtain two expert opinions. 

The law also replaces the current provision in Section 45b of the German Civil Status Act (Personenstandsgesetz, PStG) regarding intersex people (»persons with variants of gender development«). A medical certificate no longer needs to be presented to have a gender entry and/or first names changed.

For more information on the SBGG, see the website of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ).

Further information and external advice centres can be found on the website sbgg.info.

Trans/intersex/non-binary students can use their self-chosen first name at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, regardless of whether an official name and civil status change has been completed or is being sought in accordance with the so-called »Self-Determination Act« (SBGG) or in accordance with the applicable legal regulations of other countries whose citizenship they hold.

To this end, the student's first name and gender entry are changed in the student database. The university's internal identification and service card (Thoska), the official email address (@uni-weimar.de) and documents such as semester certificates and transcripts are then issued in the student's chosen first name. 

Trans/intersex/non-binary students are able to indicate their self-chosen first name and affirmed gender when they enrol. A change of first name and gender entry can also be requested during the course of the degree programme.

To apply for a change of first name and gender entry in the student database, please use the following form:

• Form: »Application to Change the First Name and Gender Entry in the Student Database« 

 
If you have any questions about the procedure, please do not hesitate to contact the Student Office of the Office of Student and Academic Affairs:

Doreen Klamt (she/her)
Head of Division
Campus.Office, Room 211

Tel.: +49 (0) 3643 – 58 2344
Fax: +49 (0) 3643 – 58 2360
E-Mail: doreen.klamt[at]uni-weimar.de
 

There is currently no standardised procedure for changing the first name and gender entry of trans/intersex/non-binary employees of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar who have not yet completed or are not seeking to complete the official change of name or civil status in accordance with the German »Gender Registration Act« (»Self-Determination Act«, SBGG) or with the applicable legal regulations of other countries of which they are citizens.

Need support? Then please contact the Diversity Officer, Dr Miriam Benteler (she/her), or the Equal Opportunity Officer, Tina Meinhardt (she/her).

What Is the dgti Supplementary Identity Card?

Before a trans person officially changes their name and/or civil status, their official identification documents might not match their affirmed gender, and their gender expression may be misread by others, too. This may lead to unpleasant, stressful and humiliating questions or even dangerous situations during personal checks.

The dgti supplementary identity card issued by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Transidentität und Intersexualität e.V. (dgti e.V./»German Society for Transidentity and Intersexuality«) is a standardised identification document that aims to reduce discrimination against trans people during identity checks. It contains all of the personal information a person has chosen for themselves, along with a current passport photo and the number on their official federal identity card. It thus serves as a »bridge« to the latter. The dgti supplementary identity card is already recognised and accepted by all ministries of the interior, the police, public authorities, banks, universities, insurance providers and many other official bodies. Where this is not yet the case, a QR code on the identity card can provide further guidance. 

Note on the personalised semester ticket:
Public transport staff are authorised to carry out identity checks during passenger checks and to request an official, valid photo ID (e.g. federal identity card, passport). 

We therefore strongly recommend that students also apply for a dgti supplementary identity card if they have had their first name and gender entry changed in the university’s student database.

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is not liable for any claims that may arise due to the self-chosen first name and use of the corresponding documents.
 

How and Where Can I Apply for the dgti Supplementary Identity Card?

It is possible to apply for the dgti supplementary identity card on the website of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Transidentität und Intersexualität e.V. 
 

Assumption of Costs for the dgti Supplementary Identity Card

Students applying for the dgti supplementary identity card specifically for the procedure for changing their first name and gender entry at the university can use the following form to request that the Equal Opportunity Office at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar reimburse the costs. Please submit the invoice and proof of payment together with the following form:

• Form: »Rückzahlung verauslagter Sachkosten« (»Repayment of material costs«)