How to change your name in Spain

If you've always had a complex or just do not like your first name, did you know you can legally change it? We are going to tell you about the legal procedures for the change of name in Spain. It is a somewhat expensive process that you must carry out through the Ministry of Justice. In .com, we tell you how to change your name, requirements, procedures and other crucial points to get it.

Steps to follow:

one

Let's start with the limitations for the name change, and the truth is that almost anyone is possible. Only those who break certain prohibitions will be rejected. You can not put more than two simple names or one compound, if you put 2 names will be separated by a hyphen.

A name can not be dishonorable, humiliating, etc. Neither are confusing or misleading names about sex. You can not put the same name to two brothers. In the case of proper names with another writing system (Chinese, Arabic and other languages) they will be adapted with their phonetic equivalence.

two

If you want to change your name, you must meet any of the following requirements to start this process:

  • You must show that you normally use a different name than the one you have legally on the birth certificate.
  • If the proper name does not meet any of the legally established requirements mentioned above.
  • When your name has been translated from a foreigner.
  • When it is a phonetic or graphic adaptation to Spanish.
  • When you change sex.

It is not allowed to change the name without just cause, or by unimportant changes of the proper name (how to change Cristina for Kristina). These types of changes are only allowed if the name is misspelled orthographically.

3

There are some common requirements for any name change:

  • There must be just cause and not harm other people.
  • This procedure must be done prior file in the Civil Registry where the birth registration is recorded.
  • If the cause of the change of name is that you use another name normally, but you do not have proof, the competence is from the Ministry of Justice and delegates to the General Directorate of Registries and Notaries.

4

The change of name may be requested or presented by any person, of legal age and legal representatives of minors or incapacitated persons. The process can be in person or by mail.

You must send the request to the Civil Registry, the Ministry of Justice or the General Director of Registries and Notaries. In the event that you want to change the name by which it is normally used, it is best to go to the Registry. The literal certificate of the birth registration is required ; If you do not have it, you can ask for it by mail or by telephone to the court of the town where you were born.

You must provide evidence to prove that another name is used (such as letters, emails, recorded or written testimonies). You must also provide baptismal certificate, witness, certificate of the Royal Academy of the official languages ​​if you wish to change your name by its equivalent in another language. If you want to do the process by mail, you must prepare all this documentation and send it by certified mail to the relevant Civil Registry.