In Ukraine, individuals have the ability to change not only their surnames but also their first names and patronymics. This process can be initiated for various reasons, including personal preference, marriage, or divorce.
Eligibility and Process for Name Changes
Individuals aged 16 and older can change their names without parental consent. For those under 16, both parents must approve the change. If one parent disagrees, the matter can be taken to child protection authorities or court.
The name change process is handled through the State Registration Office (ДРАЦС), where individuals submit a request for a name change. Upon approval, they receive a certificate confirming the change.
Steps to Change Your Name
To initiate a name change, individuals must visit the ДРАЦС and provide a set of required documents along with a formal application. The necessary documents include:
- Ukrainian passport
- Identification code
- Copy of the first page of the international passport
- Birth certificate
If married, a marriage certificate is also required. In cases of divorce, a court decision or divorce certificate must be provided. Additionally, if there are minor children, their birth certificates must be included. A recent photograph (3×4 cm) is also necessary.
The application is typically processed within three months, although this can extend up to six months in certain cases. The ДРАЦС conducts a review and forwards the application to the National Police for a background check. If there are any legal issues, such as unresolved criminal charges, the application may be denied.
Costs Associated with Changing Your Name
Changing a name incurs a state fee. For a first-time name change, the fee is 5.10 UAH, while subsequent changes cost 51 UAH. Additionally, there is a service fee of 416 UAH for the preparation of the application by ДРАЦС staff. Payments must be made electronically.
Reasons for Name Changes
The primary reason for changing a name can simply be personal preference. The ДРАЦС does not require individuals to provide justification for their choice. Common reasons include marriage, divorce, or dissatisfaction with the current name.
Online Name Change Options
Currently, changing a name online is not possible in Ukraine. Individuals must visit the ДРАЦС in person, as online services like “Diia” do not support this process.
Document Updates After a Name Change
After changing a name, it is essential to update personal documents, including the Ukrainian passport, international passport, and identification code. Any driver’s licenses must also be replaced. This should be completed within 30 days of the name change.
However, legal documents related to property, educational certificates, and employment records do not need to be updated.
Next Steps After Changing Your Name
Ideally, individuals should visit the Administrative Services Center (ЦНАП) immediately after changing their name to update their documents. Each document replacement is treated as a separate service.
Changing Your Name After Marriage or Divorce
Individuals can change their names during marriage registration without additional steps, as the marriage certificate will reflect the new surname. If a name change occurs after marriage, the individual must go through the ДРАЦС process to obtain a new name certificate.
In cases of divorce, if the individual requests a name change during the court proceedings, the court decision can include this request. If the divorce is processed through ДРАЦС, the individual can declare their intention to revert to their maiden name at that time.
For those wishing to change their name separately from the divorce process, a visit to ДРАЦС is required for the name change application.
In Ukraine, individuals can change their surnames, first names, and patronymics from the age of 16. The process involves submitting a request to the State Registration Office, along with necessary documentation and fees. While personal preference is a valid reason for a name change, individuals must update their official documents following the change.