Can I change my name?
Yes — you may change your name, but usually only once, and the new name must meet the rules of the Personal Names Act. The National Registry (Þjóðskrá) handles name changes under the Personal Names Act no. 45/1996, and the main rule is that a name change is allowed once unless special circumstances apply. A given or middle name must be on the names register; if it is not, the National Registry refers the matter to the naming committee, and then a fee of ISK 4,300 (2026) applies for the committee's consideration. The myth here is twofold: that a name change is either banned or that it is free and open at any time. Neither is true — it is allowed but conditional, and a fee applies when the matter goes before the committee. Since the Gender Autonomy Act (no. 80/2019), names no longer have to be gendered, and someone who changes their registered gender has an independent right to change given, middle and patronymic names. At most you may bear five names — up to three given and middle names in total and two patronymics.
📋 The rules
- The National Registry handles name changes under the Personal Names Act no. 45/1996; the main rule is that a change is allowed once unless special circumstances apply.
- A new given or middle name must be on the names register or approved by the naming committee (Art. 13).
- If the matter goes before the naming committee, a fee of ISK 4,300 (2026) applies for the committee's consideration at the National Registry.
- Since the Gender Autonomy Act no. 80/2019, names need not be gendered, and a change of registered gender gives an independent right to change names.
- At most you may bear five names: up to three given and middle names in total and two patronymics.
🔓 Exceptions
- Changing the name of a child under 18 requires the consent of both custodial parents, and if the child is 12 or older the child's consent is also required.
- Someone who changes their registered gender may change their name at the same time regardless of the once rule, under the Gender Autonomy Act.
- Special circumstances can allow more than one change — the once rule is the main rule but not absolute.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A name change carries no criminal penalty — it is a service, not an offence — but there are real traps and costs people underestimate. First, the change is as a rule once only: if you pick an unfortunate name, a second chance is not a given, because a further change requires special circumstances. Second, a fee of ISK 4,300 (2026) applies when the matter goes before the naming committee, and the committee can reject the name — then you have paid for a consideration that did not deliver the name. Third, the change does not take effect until it is entered in the National Registry, and in the meantime a mismatch can cause trouble. The hidden cost is practical: a name that differs between the National Registry and your foreign identity documents can make it hard to prove you are the same person, when travelling, banking and dealing with foreign authorities. Finally, a name change allowed here may be not allowed in the home country of a foreign national, which complicates matters further.
📎 Official sources
- Althingi · Personal Names Act no. 45/1996 (Art. 13) →
- National Registry (Þjóðskrá) · name changes (fee and rules) →
- Ísland.is · name change age 18 and over →
❓ Frequently asked
How often may I change my name?
The main rule under the Personal Names Act is that a name change is allowed once unless special circumstances apply. If you want to change your name again you must show special reasons, so it is sensible to choose carefully the first time rather than rely on getting a second chance later.
What does a name change cost?
If the new name is already on the names register the change is part of ordinary National Registry service, but if the matter goes before the naming committee the committee's consideration costs ISK 4,300 under the National Registry fee schedule in 2026. The fee is paid for handling the case, and the committee can still reject the name if it does not meet the rules.
Does my name have to match my gender?
No, since the Gender Autonomy Act no. 80/2019 came into force, names no longer have to be gendered in Iceland. Someone who changes their registered gender at the National Registry also has an independent right to change their given, middle and patronymic names alongside that change.
Can I change my child's name?
Yes, but changing the name of a child under 18 always requires the consent of both custodial parents, and if custody has changed you also need the consent of whoever held custody at the original naming. If the child is 12 or older the child's own consent is required, and changing a child's name does not affect their right to seek a change after the age of 18.
When does the name change take effect?
A name change does not take effect until it has been entered in the National Registry, so it is the registration itself that is decisive rather than the application or the committee's approval. While the change is being processed a mismatch between documents can cause trouble, especially if you have a different name recorded on foreign identity documents.
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