Changing surname or first name is possible but under conditions. Changing your family name is very difficult and the process is tedious. Changing your first name is simpler but still requires you to take administrative steps. Here is everything you need to know if you want to change your name, first name or even both at the same time!
The family name is also called birth name or patronymic name. It is difficult to change it but not impossible. To start the process, you must have a legitimate reason. Here is the list of recognized patterns.
This list is not exhaustive but it brings together the most frequent cases and especially those which are considered admissible. Of course, other emotional reasons can be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Because your name is not French, you want to change it. In this case, you have to go through a different procedure called francization. This approach facilitates integration. Several solutions are proposed to you, among them there are:
Please note, if you wish to use your old name again, you will have to complete a new procedure. It is impossible to take a name that has no relation to your patronymic name.
As part of a name change, it is imperative to file an official announcement. You can opt for the Official Journal. In this case, you will have to pay 110€. The ad appears within 3 to 5 days. It is also possible to make a request for publication with a journal of legal notices. The publication deadlines are the same and the price varies depending on the newspaper.
To change your surname, it is imperative to send a name change request to the Minister of Justice. To do this, it is not necessary to hire a lawyer. You must write a personal request and provide the requested documents including a birth certificate, a certificate of French nationality, the slip summarizing all the attachments, a bulletin n°3 of the criminal record and the extract from the Official Journal.
The time varies depending on the request and its complexity. Once your request has been sent, you have 2 months to change your mind. Once the application has been accepted, you are entitled to have your marital status changed. If the request is refused, you must have the reason for the refusal. It is possible to contest the refusal. A third party may object to the name change. He must then explain himself.
Changing your first name is easier than changing your name. Since February 17, 2017, this process has been simplified since it is no longer necessary to appeal to the courts. The request is now made at the town hall, with a civil status officer. The name change of minors under 13 is done by the parents. Between the ages of 13 and 18, the child must give consent.
The procedures also allow citizens to:
To be authorized to change your first name, the request must be legitimate. If the civil registrar has any doubts, he can contact the prosecutor. The same applies if the request goes against the interests of a child.
People who make a request to change their first name must prove that it is legitimate. Here are the admissible requests.
When you apply, the town hall will give you a file to fill out. You will then have to provide the requested documents. The file is analyzed and a response is given.
So we have seen how to change your name and how to change your first name. Is it possible to make both changes? The answer is yes ! Nothing prevents you from doing the two steps, whether at the same time or not.
Note that if you wish to francize your first and last name, it is possible that the changes will be made at the same time. Thus, a "Cristiano Dos Santos" can bear the name of "Christian Dessaint". The francization of a name and that of the first name can be done during naturalization.
In any case, in addition to familiarizing yourself with the administrative and legal procedures, do not hesitate to talk about your project with your loved ones. It can happen that the name change is frowned upon and creates tension.
