Change of surname
- Service
- Nationwide except the Åland Islands
- Public service
If you want to change your surname, please fill in the name change application form. You can use the same name change application form if you want a two-part surname or if you want to give up a name that is part of your current two-part surname. You can also use the same application form to add or remove a hyphen from your current two-part surname.
You can apply for a change of surname if you liv ...
Do the following
Fill in a name change application at Nimenmuutospalvelu (only in Finnish and Swedish) if
- you want to apply for a surname that you have used previously
Alternatively, you can apply for the name change online using a form in the Suomi.fi service. Signing in to the service requires strong authentication. A guardian or a spouse can also sign the Suomi.fi form. You can also send your application by mail or by email. You can also complete the application in person at your local registry office. For the application, clearly state the letters you want to include in the surname in upper case and lower case letters.
We will not process your application until you have paid the processing fee. The fee will not be refunded even if you withdraw your application or you receive a negative decision.
The Digital and Population Data Services Agency may ask you for further information, such as missing certificates or other documents to process your name change request. If necessary, we may also ask for the signature of another guardian, a minor or a spouse if this is missing from your application.
In some cases, we may seek the opinion of the Name Committee and it usually takes a few months to process your name change.
Once the matter is resolved, you will receive a written decision. Your surname will change in the population register on the day of the decision. After the name change, you will automatically receive a new Kela card, but you will have to renew your passport, personal ID card and driving license yourself.
If you are not satisfied with the decision, you have the right to appeal to the Administrative Court.
To whom and on what terms
If changing a child's name would result in the child not sharing a name with either parent, or if after the change the child would have a different name to their siblings, a special case would have to be made to change the child’s name. A shared family surname is particularly important for children under 15 years of age. We may request further information from you.
A guardian must apply for a change of name on behalf of a minor. If a minor has two or more guardians, the application requires the signatures of all the guardians.
If a minor is over 10 years of age, the change of name requires his or her written consent.
Persons over the age of 15 can apply for a change of surname without a guardian’s approval. Guardians have the right to submit statements with the application. If a person over the age of 15 and their guardians disagree on the change of name, the minor's wishes take precedence.
We process applications in the order they were received.