Am I allowed to change my name in Denmark?
Yes — you can change your first, middle or last name. You apply on borger.dk, and the case is handled by the Family Law House. A name change costs 646.37 kr in 2026, but it is free at a wedding and free for a child's name change that follows a parent's own change — so timing alone can save you the whole fee. Protected surnames — those borne by 2,000 people or fewer — you usually cannot take without consent, while surnames held by more than 2,000 people are free and can be taken by anyone. Name changes in connection with gender have easier rules. Until it is approved, the name does not count: a name without approval has no legal effect, and the population register is not changed.
📋 The rules
- You can change your first, middle or last name
- You apply on borger.dk via the Family Law House
- A name change costs 646.37 kr in 2026
- Free in connection with a wedding
- Protected surname (2,000 or fewer): needs consent
🔓 Exceptions
- Free for a child's name change that follows a parent's own change
- Surnames held by more than 2,000 people are free and can be taken by anyone
- Name changes in connection with gender have easier rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There is no penalty for having a name refused, and you can appeal the decision. The cost is practical rather than criminal: a name without approval has no legal effect, and the population register is not changed — to the authorities, your bank and your employer you are still called what you were called before, whatever you call yourself day to day. Apply for a protected surname with 2,000 bearers or fewer without consent and you will usually be refused. Timing, on the other hand, saves you 646.37 kr: a change at a wedding is free.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I change my name?
Yes, you can change your first, middle or last name. You apply on borger.dk, and the case is handled by the Family Law House, which also decides whether the name you want can be approved for you at all.
What does a name change cost?
A name change costs 646.37 kr in 2026. It is free in connection with a wedding and free for a child's name change that follows a parent's own change, so timing alone can save you the entire fee.
Can I take any surname I want?
Surnames held by more than 2,000 people are free and can be taken by anyone. Protected surnames with 2,000 bearers or fewer you usually cannot take without consent from those who already bear the name.
Is a name change free at a wedding?
Yes. A name change in connection with a wedding is free, and so is a child's name change that follows a parent's own change. Outside those two situations a name change costs 646.37 kr in 2026.
What if my name is not approved?
There is no penalty, and you can appeal the decision. A name without approval has no legal effect — the population register is not changed, and to the authorities, your bank and your employer you keep your old name.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I change my name denmark”
- “name change cost 646 kr”
- “name change free wedding”
- “protected surname 2000”
- “change surname denmark”
- “family law house name”