The citizens of the Republic of Moldova can request to have first name or last name changed if there are good reasons for this. For example, if the name consists of indecent, ridiculous expressions, or if the name is difficult to pronounce. Also, the change can be requested if the person wants a name or surname corresponding to their nationality. Data of the Public Services Agency show that almost 12,000 certificates of change of the name and/or surname have been registered since 2020, IPN reports.
According to the Agency, the name and surname are the basic attributes by which the person is identified and which must be included in the civil status documents and other official documents of the person. The surname is acquired through kinship and is common to the members of the same family. The child born inside marriage takes the married name of the parents, chosen by them when submitting the declaration of marriage.
The name and surname can be modified by administrative means, by a civil court decision or as a result of the change in the person’s marital status (by marriage or divorce). Solid reasons are required to entitle the applicant to request a change of name or surname.
Among the valid reasons for changing the name or surname is the applicant’s desire to use a simple surname instead of a double one. Changes are also accepted when the applicant wishes to bear the name of the spouse or to add the name of the spouse to their name (and did not do so at the time of registration of the marriage). Another reason is the desire to return to the name she/he had until marriage, but did not do so at the time of the divorce. There are also cases in which the person wants to bear the surname of the father or stepmother or another person who participated in his/her education.
The PSA said that valid reasons for changing the name or surname are not considered the cases when the applicant chooses a name or surname that is difficult or ridiculous to pronounce. The modification cannot be requested if the applicant is prosecuted or has a criminal record and is not rehabilitated or if, following the change of the surname by connection, this will become composed of three surnames. This is not possible also when the transliteration of the name or surname with Latin characters based on the orthographic rules of a foreign language or with the use of diacritics is asked.
The application for change of name or surname shall be submitted to the local civil status body. The change of name of children aged between 16 and 18 years is decided at the request of the child, with the written consent of the parents.
Registering the change of name or surname costs from 230 to 920 lei, depending on the number of days during which the service is provided.
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