Changing your name is an important step, which may be necessary for various personal or legal reasons. In Romania, Romanian citizens have the right to request a name change through an administrative procedure when there are valid reasons.
The application is submitted to the competent city hall (depending on the applicant’s residence) and is reviewed in accordance with the law. The legal processing period is 90 days.
Common reasons for changing a name
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Difficult-to-pronounce or inappropriate names
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Correction of errors in civil status documents
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Adopting a surname after marriage or divorce
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Aligning Romanian documents with those issued abroad
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Other justified personal situations
Required documents (for guidance)
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Name change application
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Romanian identity card
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Civil status certificates (birth, marriage, as applicable)
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Proof of reason for the change (supporting documents)
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Receipt for payment of the stamp duty
The complete list of documents may vary depending on the local authority, which is why the support of a specialized lawyer is recommended.
Why turn to a specialized lawyer?
Avoid errors when preparing the application;
Save time through a correct and complete procedure;
Benefit from professional legal representation before institutions and courts;
You have increased chances of a favorable and swift resolution of your application.
Get in touch with us
If you want to start the procedure or need personalized guidance, please fill out the contact form and you will be assisted as soon as possible.
Phone: +40 722 172929
Email: office@avocatdeleanu.ro
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Frequently asked questions
1. Who can request a name change?
Any Romanian citizen residing in Romania or abroad, if they have justified reasons.
2. Can the first name be changed as well, not just the family name?
Yes, both the family name and the first name can be changed through this procedure.
3. Is it mandatory to reside in Romania to submit the application?
As a rule, the application is submitted to the city hall of your residence. If you live abroad, you can be represented by a lawyer through a power of attorney.
4. How long does it take to process the application?
The law provides a 90-day period, but the exact duration may vary depending on the city hall and the complexity of the case.
5. What happens after the application is approved?
After the decision is published, the civil status records will be updated, and the new name can be used on all identity documents.