Municipality of West Betuwe: acknowledging parenthood of your child

You must go to the municipality in person to officially acknowledge parenthood of your child and to choose a surname. This is possible in every municipality in the Netherlands. You must make an appointment to do this 0345 - 72 88 00 or via gemeente@westbetuwe.nl.

If you do not hold Dutch citizenship or you live outside the Netherlands, other rules may apply. You will receive more information and advice about your personal situation during your appointment.

Is the mother coming to the municipality? Then bring the following with you:

A valid identy card
A valid identy card of the mother

Is the mother not coming to the municipality? Then bring the following with you:

A valid identy card
A signed written permission of the mother
A valid identy card of the mother

Do you live abroad or have you lived abroad? Then also bring a 'declaration of unmarried status'. If necessary, with legalization or Apostille stamp(s).

Official acknowledgement and choice of surname are free of charge.
You can apply for an akte van erkenning (acknowledgement of parenthood certificate) in the municipality where the acknowledgment took place.

You pay a fee for for an akte van erkenning (acknowledgement of parenthood certificate). For more information, contact the municipality 0345 - 72 88 00 or gemeente@westbetuwe.nl.

The acknowledgement cannot always be processed immediately. This depends on the personal situation of the child and the person acknowledging the child. For example, acknowledgement takes longer if the child was born before 1985 or if the person having the child officially recognised does not hold Dutch citizenship.