Name and Surname Change — Filing the Application and Appeal of a Refusal

Is a reason needed to change a first name?

No — the law does not require one: the basis is the authorised person's declaration. For a surname, a concrete ground from the statutory list is needed. We establish which option fits your case.

Within what period does the agency decide?

The decision and registration — on the 60th calendar day from submission; expedited service is inadmissible. The oral hearing date must be communicated no later than 10 days before it is held.

Why might the body refuse?

For example: an inadmissible name (digits, symbols, more than two names), combining double surnames, the person being wanted, less than 5 years since deportation/readmission, or ongoing criminal prosecution. A refusal is appealable administratively or in court.

Is restoration of a historical surname possible?

Yes — where the totality of evidence confirms that the surname originated from the transformation of another surname or from a representative of the historical surname taking another one; a reasoned scientific hypothesis may also serve as a ground. The procedure is set by the Minister of Justice's order — we prepare the documentary base.

5 min·25 Sep 2026

The Service: Filing the Application and Appealing a Refusal

Changing a name or surname is a personal decision, but its implementation is an administrative proceeding: a personal application, an oral hearing, evidentiary support and strict deadlines. Within this service the Legal.ge team provides full representation: we assess whether your case fits the statutory conditions; prepare the documentation; prepare you for the oral hearing; and in case of refusal — draft the appeal and represent your interests.

One circumstance must be clear from the start: for changing a first name, the law does not require any justification of reasons — the basis of the decision is the authorised person's declaration. The honest picture is that changing a surname requires a concrete statutory ground to exist — and it is precisely this distinction that we explain at the first consultation.

Name and Surname Change — Filing the Application and Appeal of a Refusal

Is a reason needed to change a first name?

No — the law does not require one: the basis is the authorised person's declaration. For a surname, a concrete ground from the statutory list is needed. We establish which option fits your case.

Within what period does the agency decide?

The decision and registration — on the 60th calendar day from submission; expedited service is inadmissible. The oral hearing date must be communicated no later than 10 days before it is held.

Why might the body refuse?

Is restoration of a historical surname possible?

5 min·25 Sep 2026

The Service: Filing the Application and Appealing a Refusal