🪪 Can I change my first name in Finland?

Yes

Quick answer

Yes — your name is in your own hands. An adult can apply to DVV to change a first name electronically, and an ordinary change needs no justification: it is enough that the new name meets the Names Act — at most four first names, not apt to cause harm, not clearly unsuitable. At least one first name must always remain; you cannot drop them all. The fee runs to tens of euros depending on the application type, and the notification-type electronic change is the fastest route. Remember the aftermath: the new name updates automatically to the population register, but your passport, ID card, driving licence, bank and employer are on you — and you may not present old documents afterwards.

📋 The rules

Adults apply to DVV — e-service is fastest, and an ordinary change needs no justification.
The new name must meet the same tests as a child's: max 4 first names, no harm, no clear unsuitability.
At least one first name must always remain — you can't drop them all.
A minor's change needs the guardians' application; from 15 the minor's own will is decisive and from 12 their consent is always required.
Afterwards you update documents yourself: passport/ID (police), driving licence (Traficom), bank and employer.

🔓 Exceptions

Repeated changes: DVV can take a stricter view of constant swapping — a name isn't disposable.
Surname changes are their own process: established grounds go lighter, novel surnames via a consultation round.
A minor's change is applied for by the guardians together — from 12 the child's consent is always required, and from 15 their own will is decisive.

⚠️ Penalties

There is no sanction for changing your name: a refused application simply means the proposed name didn't meet the statutory requirements, and you can propose another. The costs run wider than the application fee, though — after the change a new passport, ID card and driving licence each carry their own fee, and updating your bank, insurer and employer records is on you. You may not present old documents bearing the wrong name after the change, so renew your identity documents without delay. Repeated changes can also make DVV more reluctant.

📎 Sources

Verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reason to change my name?

No — an adult's ordinary first-name change needs no justification. It is enough that the new name meets the statutory requirements: at most four first names, no harm, no clear unsuitability.

What does a name change cost?

Tens of euros depending on the application type, and the electronic notification-type change is the cheapest. Check the current fee at DVV — and add the cost of new identity documents on top.

Can I take an entirely invented name?

You can, if it meets the general conditions for a first name — novel names are approved all the time. Borderline cases go to the Names Board for an opinion before DVV decides.

How does a minor change their name?

The guardians apply together. From 12 the child's consent is always required, and from 15 their own will is decisive — so a name isn't changed over a young person's objection.

Can I remove all of my first names?

No — at least one first name must always remain, because nobody can exist in the population register without one. You can drop extra names or change their order in the same application, though.

🔎 What people search

Searches that lead to this question.

“change first name Finland”
“name change cost DVV”
“name change without reason Finland”
“minor name change Finland”
“update passport after name change Finland”
“how often can you change your name Finland”