This site uses technical (necessary) and analytics cookies.
By continuing to browse, you agree to the use of cookies.

Change of name or surname

Any citizen who intends to change or modify their name or surname must obtain authorization from the Prefect of the place of residence or where the birth record is registered.

ELIGIBILITY OF REQUESTS: In the Italian legal system, changing a name or surname is considered an exceptional measure. Therefore, requests will be accepted only in the presence of objectively significant circumstances, supported by appropriate documentation and solid, meaningful reasons, such as, for example, ridiculous or embarrassing surnames or names, or those revealing natural origins.

Under no circumstances can a request be made for surnames of historical importance or those likely to cause misunderstanding about the applicant’s belonging to prominent or well-known families in the place where their birth record is registered or in their place of residence.

NOTE: applications can be submitted only by ITALIAN citizens.

WOMAN’S SURNAME: Italian married women, by law, retain their maiden surname on their passport and other personal documents. They may request—but are not obligated—to have their married surname added to their maiden surname as a note on page 4 of the passport.

To submit the application in person at the Embassy, you must schedule an appointment by sending an email to consolare.jerevan@esteri.it.

APPLICATIONS: INSTRUCTIONS AND DOCUMENTS TO BE ATTACHED

Instructions:

1.Complete the application form for name or surname change (click here) — it is particularly necessary to indicate:

    • The requested modification of the name or surname.
    • The reasons for the request.
    • Sign and date the application form.

2. Attach:

    • A copy of your valid passport or identity card.
    • The original residence certificate translated into Italian.
    • The original family status certificate translated into Italian.

All the documentation will be forwarded to the competent Italian Prefecture.

IMPORTANT: NO ORIGINALS OR COPIES OF DOCUMENTS WILL BE RETURNED TO THE APPLICANT.

If the application is approved, the applicant will receive the Provisional Decree for the name or surname change from the Prefecture.

As soon as the applicant receives the authorization decree for publication from the Prefect, they must bring this document to the Embassy, by appointment, in order to proceed with the publication summary.

The publication lasts for 30 consecutive days. After this period, the Embassy will send the Prefecture a copy of the publication and a declaration certifying its completion and duration. The Final Decree for the name or surname change will then be issued.

The decree authorizing the name or surname change must be annotated, by the Municipality and at the direct request of the applicant, in the applicant’s birth record, marriage record, and in the birth records of those who derive their surname from the applicant.

This is followed by the update in the Italian Registry for the name or surname change, and the applicant requests the issuance of new documents with the updated information (e.g., passport, identity card, tax code, etc.).