Unlike what happens in South Africa, where changing name or surname can be obtained by means of a simple administrative procedure, in Italy name or surname changes and/or modifications are granted only in exceptional circumstances, and the request must be supported by adequate documentation and based on valid and justified grounds.
Art. 89 of Presidential Decree of 3 November 2000, No. 396, provides for changing name or surname and adding a name or surname because the original name/surname is ridiculous or shameful, or it reveals the person’s “natural origin”.
The competent authority is the Prefect, either the one with jurisdiction over the place of residence or the one with jurisdiction over the municipality where the birth is registered. In the case of Italian citizens residing abroad and registered with AIRE, the relevant Prefect is the one who has jurisdiction over the AIRE Municipality of residence.
The application for change of name/surname must be lodged at the Consulate General of Italy in Johannesburg. A copy of the Italian and South African ID documents. The application is subject to the payment of three stamp duties.
The applicant should enclose all the relevant documents apostilled by DIRCO and duly translated into Italian.
The Prefect will assess the request. If the prescribed requirements are met, the Prefect will issue a decree authorizing the Consulate General to post a summary of the application on its notice board.
During the posting period (ten days), any disagreeing party may raise an objection.
Once this period has elapsed, the Prefect will issue the final decree. The applicant must request the Consulate General of Italy in Johannesburg to send the final decree to the AIRE Municipality. The applicant will be requested to pay a fee for registering the Decree.
- Adults change of surname form
- Minors change of surname form
- Adults change of name form
- Minors change of name form