Change of First Name or Surname

A change of first name or surname through the administrative procedure is only possible for valid reasons.

Examples of valid reasons

• The surname is embarrassing or indecent
• The surname is difficult to pronounce or write (e.g. after Polonisation)
• You want to use a surname you have used for years (e.g. the surname of an adoptive father)
• You want to use the surname of your actual guardian or foster parent
• The first name or surname was unlawfully changed (e.g. during occupation)
• You want to align the spelling with Polish language rules

What is NOT a valid reason?

• The desire to use the surname of a famous person
• Aesthetic reasons without additional justification
• The desire to avoid legal obligations

Prepare a written justification — the better the reasons are described, the easier it will be for the head of the civil registry to make a positive decision.

Administrative change (via civil registry)

• Application for change of first name/surname — in writing, with justification
• ID card or passport (valid)
• Full birth certificate transcript (if the certificate is at a different civil registry)
• Full marriage certificate transcript (if you are married)
• Other documents confirming the reasons for the change

Return to surname after divorce

• Declaration of return to the surname used before marriage
• ID card or passport
• Abridged marriage certificate transcript with divorce annotation or final divorce ruling

Change after marriage

The surname declaration is submitted at the wedding at the civil registry — no separate application is needed. You may:

• take the spouse's surname
• keep your own surname
• create a double-barrelled surname (max 2 elements)

Submit the application for a change of first name or surname at the civil registry for your permanent address of registration. If you have no registered address — at any civil registry.

Administrative change

1. Submit the application with justification and documents at the civil registry
2. Pay the stamp duty of 37 PLN
3. The head of the civil registry will issue an administrative decision

Return to surname after divorce

1. Submit the declaration of return to the previous surname at any civil registry
2. The declaration is submitted verbally on record or in writing with a notarially certified signature
3. Deadline: 3 months from the date the divorce ruling becomes final
4. The change is immediate — no decision required

From abroad

A Polish citizen living abroad may submit the application through a Polish consul (the consul will forward it to the civil registry in Poland).

Administrative change

The head of the civil registry issues an administrative decision on the change of first name or surname.

• Deadline: up to 1 month from the submission of a complete application (in complex cases — up to 2 months)
• Positive decision — the change is entered into the civil status records
• Negative decision — you may appeal to the voivode within 14 days

Return to surname after divorce

The change takes effect immediately upon submission of the declaration — no decision required.

Change after marriage

A surname change resulting from the declaration made at the marriage ceremony takes effect from the day of the wedding.

What happens after a positive decision?

The head of the civil registry:

1. Enters the change into the civil status records (birth, marriage)
2. Notifies the relevant authorities (PESEL, ID card)
3. Issues a birth certificate transcript with the new first name/surname

After a change of first name or surname you must replace your ID card.

Deadline

• 4 weeks from the date of change — within this period the old ID card is still valid
• After 4 months from the change the old ID card becomes invalid

How to submit the application?

• In person at any municipal office in Poland
• Online via gov.pl with a Trusted Profile

Documents

• Current ID card
• Colour photograph (as for an ID card)

Replacing an ID card due to a change of personal data is free of charge.

After a change of first name or surname, update your data at all institutions:

Documents to replace

• Passport — if you are planning international travel
• Driving licence — report the data change at the county office
• Vehicle registration document — if you are the owner

Institutions to notify

• Tax office — form ZAP-3
• ZUS — if you are self-employed or receive benefits
• CEIDG / KRS — if you run a business
• Bank — update customer data
• Employer — update HR records
• NFZ / clinic — update patient data
• School / university — if applicable
• Mobile operator, energy supplier, insurer — update contracts

Most institutions require presentation of a new ID card or birth certificate transcript with the new surname.