Last name and first name are important information for every person. They are assigned to the child by the parents immediately after birth. But often an adult citizen needs to change some personal data. The reasons for changing a surname are numerous, and they are not always related to the woman’s marriage. Often such a need arises even for a man, since the surname is dissonant. The procedure is considered quite simple, but its consequences include the fact that numerous documents will have to be replaced in the future.
Basic information
All rights and obligations of a citizen can only be exercised under a certain name and surname. According to the law, it is not allowed to enter into various transactions using other people's personal information. Therefore, if a person wants to use other data, then he needs to officially change his last name or first name. Features of this process include:
- the reason for changing the surname can be any, but it is important to carry out this process correctly;
- there is no need to contact the passport office for this, since the procedure is carried out exclusively in the civil registry office located at the applicant’s place of residence;
- As soon as the surname is changed, which will be confirmed by an official certificate, then only then you need to contact the passport office and other organizations, which will allow you to make the necessary adjustments to numerous personal documents.
Adults can perform the procedure independently. It is often necessary to change a child's surname if he is adopted by other people or wishes to take the surname of his adoptive father. If the minor is not yet 14 years old, then the process is carried out for him by his parents. If he is over 14 years old, he can independently apply to the registry office, but he must have permission from official representatives with him.
Choosing a surname
Problems with choosing a surname, as a rule, do not arise during marriage, divorce, adoption: they choose one of two or take a double one. The question of what surname you can change your surname to is primarily faced by those who are dissatisfied with the sound of the old one or have firmly decided to say goodbye to part of their past.
Citizens have the right to choose a new last name or first name, up to their favorite movie hero - Darth Vader or Indiana Jones.
In a number of countries, restrictions on the naming of children have been adopted by law, there are lists of prohibited names, and more. As for Russia, Federal Law No. 94-FZ dated May 1, 2017 “On Amendments to Article 58 of the Family Code of the Russian Federation and Article 18 of the Federal Law “On Acts of Civil Status” established a ban on the use of swear words, positions, titles in children's names , numbers
If a Russian is interested in whether it is possible to change his surname in Russia to the surname of his idol, we answer: it is possible, but if as a result of such a change the reputation of a famous person is damaged, this will be prosecuted by law.
If they wish to change their name, citizens make a selection based on:
- genealogical roots - with the goal of “reviving” the family, catching the luck of the ancestors, and more;
- ideas about the euphony of a name (religious, ethnic, cultural components of a person’s life can play a role here);
- personal preferences (names of famous people who have achieved great success).
An attempt to use a new name to acquire property and other rights and obligations of another person is punishable by law.
Age restrictions
Important reasons for changing a surname at one’s own request can arise for any person at any age. Even children often need this process if they have a not very attractive and euphonious surname. But it is important to take into account age restrictions:
- if a person independently wishes to change personal data, then the process is permitted only from the age of 14, and in addition the teenager must have written consent from the parents;
- if a child has been recognized as fully capable on the basis of emancipation, then even before reaching 18 years of age he can engage in the process without the permission of official representatives;
- If parents themselves want to change the surname of a child who is not yet 14 years old, then they will first have to come to the guardianship authorities to obtain consent to this process.
Adult citizens can decide to change their personal data. Therefore, regardless of the reason for changing your surname, you will not need to obtain permission in advance from any individuals or organizations.
