More and more Belgians are changing their names. According to figures from the FPS Justice, in 2023, 5,762 changed their first name and 1,152 people changed their last name. But how much does it cost?
Michael had to pay €500 to change his first name on his identity card. He wonders if it’s normal to have paid so much.
The price varies between each municipality, but changing your first or last name costs between 0 and 500 euros. Bad luck for Michael, he had to pay the highest amount possible.
To be able to do this, the first name requested must not create confusion, but also not harm you or others.
For minors, this request must be submitted by the parents.
It’s the same procedure for the last name, but only since July 1 of this year. Before this date, it was absolutely necessary to send a request by mail to the FPS Justice, motivated by a serious reason.
It is also possible to change the gender mentioned on your identity card. It is a free procedure which is carried out at the municipality with a sworn declaration, which results in the modification of the national register number. If the municipality refuses these changes, the person can challenge the decision before the family court.
RIRAVQ civil status Change of first name procedure
Belgium
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