The controversial German Self-Determination Act, which makes it easier for people to change their registered gender, can enter into force after the upper house, the Bundesrat, passed it on Friday.
In future, the law will make it much easier for Germans to have their gender entry and first name changed by the authorities, now only requiring a declaration to the registry office.
A court decision and two expert reports, which were previously required, will no longer be necessary.
The law entered into force after Germany's review chamber decided not to appeal to the mediation committee.
The simplifications will primarily affect transgender, intersex and non-binary people, who previously had to overcome hurdles and costly procedures to have their gender entry changed.
The previous procedure under the more than 40-year-old Transsexuals Act, in which those affected were asked the most intimate questions, was degrading, said Hamburg's second mayor, Katharina Fegebank.
The following applies to the new regulation, she said: "Nothing is being taken away from anyone. Injustice is being eliminated. And for many, it is a great day for a freer and more self-determined life."
North Rhine Westphalian Justice Minister Benjamin Limbach stressed that many regulations had been fought over on the way to this law. The result is good, he said, even if the law may not be perfect in every detail.
"With the Self-Determination Act, we are taking a big step towards an open, tolerant and diverse society," said Limbach.
