How do I legally change my surname in South Africa?

How do I legally change my surname in South Africa?

Go to the office of the DHA and get the Application form for changing your name in the Register. The applicant will have to get application form according to his/her requirement. If the need is to change the forename, you have to obtain Form BI-85 from the office of DHA and fill the form as required.

Can I change my surname to anything in South Africa?

Legislation prescribes that the change of a surname of a Major must be gazetted in South Africa. The publication will be done by Home Affairs and your application fee covers this. Application form BI-196 and form BI-529.

How long does it take to change surname at home affairs?

The process could take up to 6 weeks. For more details visit the Department of Home Affairs.

How do I change my child’s surname in South Africa?

Required Documents[edit]

1. Duly filled and signed Application form.
2. Written consent by natural father (for a minor in case of mother’s remarriage)
3. Written consent by mother’s husband (for a minor in case of mother’s remarriage)
4. Written consent by the mother (for a minor)
5. Reason for the change of name in written form.

Can I change my surname online in South Africa?

You need to fill in Form B1-196 from the Department of Home Affairs. Form B1-196 is “Authority to assume another surname.” You can also download the form online. On the application form, there is a section where you must fill in “a sufficient reason” for changing your name.

What is the procedure to change surname?

There are three critical and mandatory steps in changing your name, namely:

1. Affidavit Creation. An individual that requires a name change will be required to submit an affidavit for change of name (deed poll affidavit) on stamp paper which has to be attested by a notary.
2. Newspaper Publication.
3. Gazette Notification.

What is required to change your surname?

Can I change child’s surname without fathers permission?

If you have sole parental responsibility, you will be able to change your child’s name without anyone else’s consent or Court approval. However, you will still need to seek legal advice from a solicitor to make a formal deed to change their name.

Can anyone change their surname?

Note: In California, you generally have the legal right to change your name simply by using a new name in all aspects of your life, also known as the “usage method.” BUT, with few exceptions, government agencies require a court order as official proof of a name change so getting a court order is the best way to make …

When can you legally change your surname?

Once you’re 16 years old, it’s legally your own decision to change your name. If you’re 16 or 17, you’re treated in the same way as an adult, and you can change your own name (by deed poll) without your parents’ consent.

Do I need my parents permission to change my surname?

A mother, or father, cannot change a child’s surname by herself or himself unless she or he is the only person with parental responsibility. Any child who has sufficient legal understanding may apply in their own right for the Court’s permission to change their name.

How long does it take to change your surname?

The whole process of updating your records with all record holders usually takes 3–8 weeks, depending on how promptly you do it.