Can I change my first name or surname?
Yes, but a reason and a procedure are needed. You can ask to change your surname or to modify/add your first name by filing an application with the Prefect (the competent Prefecture), stating the reasons: e.g. a ridiculous or shameful surname, one hard to pronounce, revealing a natural origin, or other serious personal reasons. The Prefecture assesses the request and, if granted, authorises the change by decree, followed by the annotations in the civil-status registers. For children, after the 2022 Constitutional Court ruling, as a rule both parents' surnames are given (in the agreed order), unless otherwise agreed. There are simplified procedures for correcting registry errors. The change can't be used to evade obligations or create confusion.
📋 The rules
- Surname/name-change application to the Prefect, with the reasons
- Typical reasons: ridiculous, shameful or hard-to-pronounce surname
- Granted by decree and civil-status annotations
- Children (since 2022): as a rule both parents' surnames
- Not to evade obligations or create confusion
🔓 Exceptions
- Correcting mere registry errors: simplified procedure
- Children's surname: own rules after the 2022 Constitutional Court ruling
- Trans people: registry name correction with its own procedure
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no "sanction" for requesting the change: the application can simply be rejected if an adequate reason is missing or the change harms third parties or creates confusion. Using a false name in official documents, or changing identity to evade debts or responsibilities, is instead an offence or a crime. The Prefecture procedure involves filing the application, assessing the reasons and, if granted, a period of publicity for any objections before the final decree. For special cases (children's surname, corrections), it's best to check with the town hall or the Prefecture.
📎 Official sources
- Ministry of the Interior · Changing the name and surname →
- Normattiva · Presidential Decree 396/2000 (civil-status order) →
- Constitutional Court · Ruling 131/2022 (children's surname) →
❓ Frequently asked
How can I change my surname?
By filing an application with the Prefect of the competent Prefecture, stating the reasons (e.g. a ridiculous, shameful or hard-to-pronounce surname). The Prefecture assesses the request and, if granted, authorises the change by decree, followed by the civil-status annotations.
Can I also change my first name?
Yes, by the same procedure before the Prefect, you can ask to modify, add or change your first name, stating the reason. For trans people there's a specific registry-correction procedure. Correcting mere registry errors follows a simplified route.
What surname do children take?
After the 2022 Constitutional Court ruling, as a rule a child is given both parents' surnames, in the order they agree. Parents can also agree to give just one parent's surname. It's a major change from the previous rule.
How long does a surname change take?
It depends on the Prefecture and the case's complexity. The procedure involves assessing the reasons and, if granted, a period of publicity for any objections before the final decree. It can take some months; it's best to check with the Prefecture.
Can I change my surname for any reason?
No. An adequate reason is needed, and the change must not harm third parties or create confusion. The application can be rejected if the reasons aren't considered valid. Also, changing identity to evade debts or obligations is an offence or a crime, not a viable route.
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