How to Legally Change Your Surname, First Name, or Both in France: A Complete Guide

Changing your surname or first name is possible in France, but it requires meeting specific conditions and following administrative procedures. Surname changes are more complex and time-consuming, while first name changes are simpler. As experts in French civil status matters, we've outlined the full process below to help you navigate it confidently and successfully.

Changing Your Surname: Step-by-Step Process

Establish a Legitimate Reason

Your surname—also known as your birth or family name—is challenging to change, but not impossible. You must provide a valid reason, drawn from established legal precedents. Common accepted grounds include:

• A pejorative, ridiculous, or burdensome name.
• A name infamous in the media due to negative associations.
• Preventing the extinction of your lineage.
• Adopting a pseudonym by which you are publicly known.
• Siblings (with the same mother) seeking a unified surname.
• Avoiding stigma from a parent's serious criminal conviction.

This list covers the most frequent and admissible cases, though exceptional emotional reasons may be considered.

Changing a Foreign Surname (Francization)

If your non-French surname hinders integration, pursue francization via a tailored procedure. Options include:

• Translation by a sworn translator.
• Adapting the name to sound French, while staying close to the original.
• Adopting an ancestor's name.

Note: Reverting requires a new process, and unrelated names are not permitted.

Publish an Official Announcement

A mandatory step is publishing in the Official Journal (110€, appears in 3-5 days) or a legal notices newspaper (similar timeline, variable cost).

Submit Your Request to the Ministry of Justice

Send your application directly to the Minister of Justice—no lawyer needed. Include a personal letter, birth certificate, French nationality certificate, attachment summary, criminal record bulletin No. 3, and Official Journal extract.

Processing time varies by complexity. You have 2 months to withdraw post-submission. Upon approval, update your civil status. Refusals must be justified and can be appealed; third parties may object with reasons.

Changing Your First Name: Simplified Since 2017

Easier Procedures

First name changes are straightforward since February 17, 2017—no court required. Apply at your local town hall with a civil registrar. For minors under 13, parents decide; ages 13-18 require consent.

You can also reorder first names, add/remove middle names.

Requests must be legitimate; registrars may consult the prosecutor if doubtful, especially for children's interests.

Proving Legitimacy

Valid reasons include:

• Modifying/deleting a ridiculous first name (alone or with surname).
• Issues with foreign authorities.
• Francization, also during naturalization.
• Adding/removing hyphens in compound names.
• Reverting pre-consent changes.
• Perpetuating family traditions.
• Adopting a commonly used name differing from records.

Complete the town hall form with required documents; expect analysis and a response.

Changing Both First Name and Surname

Yes, you can change both simultaneously or sequentially. Francization often combines them—e.g., "Cristiano Dos Santos" to "Christian Dessaint"—especially during naturalization.

Discuss with family first, as changes can spark tensions. Familiarize yourself with these proven procedures for a smooth transition.