Can I change my first name or surname, and what does it cost?
Yes — you may change your first name or surname, and the procedure is cheaper than most people think: the state fee is only €12. The application can be submitted to any civil registry office or electronically through the Centre of Registers self-service. A first name may be changed from age 16, while on some grounds set in the rules a surname may be changed from age 18; a minor needs parental consent. A decision is usually taken within 20 working days (up to 60 in more complex cases). The key point people miss: the fee was cut to €12, so the older, higher amounts still repeated online are now wrong. After changing a name or surname you must replace all your documents — passport, identity card, driving licence — and update your data in registers and contracts, with separate fees charged for each new document.
📋 The rules
- A name or surname is changed by applying to any civil registry office
- The state fee is €12 (cut, so the old amounts repeated online mislead)
- A first name may be changed from 16; on some grounds a surname from 18
- A decision is usually taken within 20 working days (up to 60 in complex cases)
- The application may also be filed online through the Centre of Registers self-service
🔓 Exceptions
- A minor changing a name or surname needs the consent of the parents (guardians)
- A change is possible only on the grounds set in the rules, not on a mere whim
- On marriage or divorce a surname is changed under a separate, related procedure
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Here the point is not a fine but the true cost and consequences of the change. The €12 fee covers only registering the change — once it is paid, the more expensive part begins: you have to reissue your passport and identity card, change your driving licence, and update your data at banks, your employer, in contracts and in registers, with a separate fee for each new document. What people miss: after changing a surname you must update the Real Property Register and other registers so that no obstacles arise when selling property or handling an inheritance. The older, higher fee amounts still repeated online are out of date — the fee is now €12. If a change is sought without a ground set in the rules, the office may refuse the application. If documents are not updated in time, problems can arise with bank, notary or state services because the data will not match.
📎 Official sources
- e-seimas · Law on Registration of Civil Status Acts →
- Centre of Registers · changing a name and surname →
- e-tar · rules on changing names and surnames →
❓ Frequently asked
How much does a name change cost?
The state fee for changing a first name and/or surname is €12, and it was cut, so the higher amounts repeated online are out of date. However, you will separately have to pay for new documents — passport, identity card and others that must be replaced.
From what age can I change my name?
A first name may be changed from age 16, while on some grounds set in the rules a surname may be changed from age 18. When a minor changes a name or surname, the consent of the parents or guardians is required.
Where do I apply to change a surname?
The application can be filed at any civil registry office in Lithuania or electronically through the Centre of Registers self-service system. A decision is usually taken within 20 working days, though in more complex cases the term can extend to 60 days.
Can I change a surname for no reason?
A change is possible only on the grounds set in the rules, not on a mere whim, so the office may refuse an unjustified application. In practice there are quite a few recognised grounds, but the request still has to be justified.
What must I do after changing a surname?
After changing a name or surname you must reissue your passport, identity card and other documents and update your data in registers, at banks and in contracts. It is especially important to update the Real Property Register entries so that no obstacles arise when handling property.
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