Acknowledgement of child

This form is only available in Dutch.

You can acknowledge your child before the birth, during the birth registration process, or at a later time. You can read more about the acknowledgement of your child on the National Government’s website.

What to bring along to your appointment

• a valid proof of identity for the acknowledger;
• a valid proof of identity for the mother (or a copy of this if she is not present in person; this is only possible with a second or subsequent child);
• written permission from the mother for the acknowledgement (if she is not present in person; this is only possible with a second or subsequent child).

The acknowledger must be present in person at the appointment. The mother only needs to be present at the appointment in person if it concerns the acknowledgement of her first child, as she will need to sign the choice of name/acknowledgement certificate.

Acknowledgement of children over 12 years old

Is your child above the age of 12 and would you like to acknowledge him or her? Both the mother and the child will need to attend the appointment. The child will also need a valid proof of identity.

A child above the age of 16 will need to attend the appointment with the acknowledger. The mother’s consent is not needed. Children can indicate which surname they want after acknowledgement from the age of 16. Please visit the National Government’s website for more information.

To be applied for separately: parental authority

Acknowledgement doesn’t automatically give you parental authority over the child. You must apply for parental authority from the courts (Dutch only).