May I change my personal name, and how much does it cost?
You may change your personal name by application to the administrative unit, but it is not entirely free: the first change costs about EUR 54.90, and some people are refused. Under the Personal Name Act (ZOI-1), every adult citizen has the right to change their first name, surname or both; the application is decided by the administrative unit where it is filed. Under the Administrative Fees Act, the fee for the first change is about EUR 54.90 (EUR 54.40 for the decision and EUR 0.50 for the application), and for each further change at your own request the decision fee doubles, to about EUR 108.80. A change is not allowed for a person who has been finally convicted of an offence prosecuted ex officio, until the sentence is served or the legal consequences of the conviction last. The myth that you can freely change your name at any time and so escape debts or a criminal record does not hold – changing your name erases neither obligations nor records.
📋 The rules
- Every adult citizen has the right to change their personal name (first name, surname or both); the application is decided by the administrative unit.
- The fee for the first change is, under the Administrative Fees Act, about EUR 54.90 (EUR 54.40 for the decision and EUR 0.50 for the application).
- For each further change at your own request the decision fee doubles, to about EUR 108.80.
- A change is not allowed for a person finally convicted of an offence prosecuted ex officio, until the sentence is served or the legal consequences of the conviction last.
- If the name is changed for a person against whom criminal proceedings are pending (ex officio), the authority must notify the competent court within three days.
🔓 Exceptions
- For a minor, the name is changed by the legal representatives; if the child is over 9 and able to express their will, the child's consent is also required.
- A change of surname on marriage or divorce follows special rules; it is not the same route as a general change of personal name.
- A change is not allowed if it would be contrary to the law (e.g. to evade obligations); the existence of obligations and records does not lapse with the change.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Changing your name is a right, but it is not free and does not erase the past. For the first change you pay an administrative fee of about EUR 54.90, and for each further change at your own request about EUR 108.80, as the decision fee doubles. A change is not allowed for a person finally convicted of an offence prosecuted ex officio until the sentence is served or the legal consequences of the conviction last, and during criminal proceedings the authority must notify the court of the change. Anyone expecting to escape debts, enforcement or a criminal record with a new name is mistaken – obligations are tied to the person (the personal identification number), not the name, and records are linked. After the change you must replace your identity documents (ID card, passport, driving licence) and notify banks, your employer and public offices, which brings further cost and time. A wrong expectation about the effects of the change is therefore often more expensive than the fee itself.
📎 Official sources
- PISRS · register of legislation (Personal Name Act, ZOI-1, changing a name) →
- e-uprava · changing a personal name →
- gov.si · administrative unit and administrative fees →
❓ Frequently asked
How much does it cost to change a personal name?
The first change of name costs, under the Administrative Fees Act, about EUR 54.90, which includes the fee for the decision and the application. For each further change at your own request the decision fee doubles, to about EUR 108.80.
Where do I file the application to change my name?
You file the application to change your personal name at the administrative unit, which also decides it by a decision. Once the decision is final, the change is entered in the register, after which you must replace your identity documents.
Can I change my name if I have debts or a criminal record?
Changing your name does not erase debts, enforcement or a criminal record, as these are tied to the person through the personal identification number, not the name. A person finally convicted of an offence prosecuted ex officio is even refused a change until the sentence is served.
Can I change my child's name?
A minor's name is changed by the legal representatives under the rules on changing a personal name. If the child is over 9 and able to express their will, the child's consent is also required for the change.
How often may I change my name?
The law does not limit the number of changes, but each further change at your own request is more expensive, as the decision fee doubles. In addition, every change means replacing all your identity documents and notifying offices, banks and your employer.
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