Use of the national coat of arms - apply for authorisation

The law on the national emblems of the state of Baden-Württemberg (Landeshoheitszeichengesetz - LHZG) explicitly and conclusively lists those authorities and institutions that are authorised by law to use the large or small state coat of arms.

In addition, any use in individual cases by companies, private individuals, clubs or associations, for example, requires the approval of the Ministry of the Interior, Digitalisation and Communities of Baden-Württemberg.

However, authorisation can only be granted in particular if

1. the state coat of arms is used in a way that is not detrimental to its reputation and dignity,
2. the use of the state coat of arms does not give the impression of sovereign action and
3. no commercial intentions are pursued with the use of the national coat of arms.

If authorisation is not possible, the use of the national coat of arms is prohibited.

Note: The use of parts of the state coat of arms or coats of arms or symbols that look confusingly similar to the state coat of arms is also prohibited without the permission of the Ministry of the Interior, Digitalisation and Communities of Baden-Württemberg.

Please note: The unauthorised use of the state coat of arms, parts of the state coat of arms or a sign that is confusingly similar to the state coat of arms constitutes an administrative offence in accordance with Section 124 of the Administrative Offences Act (OWiG), which can be punished with a fine.

Authorisation is only not required by law if the national coat of arms is used

1. for the purposes of media reporting, teaching and civic education,
2. for cultural projects involving the state,
3. for artistic or heraldic-scientific purposes or
4. in connection with projects financially supported by the state in order to draw attention to the support and

the state coat of arms is not used in a way that is detrimental to its reputation and dignity, gives the impression of sovereign action or pursues commercial intentions.

The state official flag (with an image of the coat of arms) may also only be displayed by organisations bearing the coat of arms. Authorisation for the use or display of the state official flag must be assessed in accordance with the standards for the use of the state coat of arms or its authorisation.

The state flag (without the coat of arms) and the state colours, on the other hand, may be used without authorisation, for example to express a connection to or solidarity with Baden-Württemberg.