---
title: "Name and Surname Change — Filing the Application and Appeal of a Refusal"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/notariat-and-civil-acts-en/name-and-surname-change-filing-the-application-and-appeal-of-a-refusal-en"
field: "Notariat and Civil Acts"
description: "Name and surname change: Articles 62–69; decision within 60 days, personal application and oral hearing, appeal of refusals. Legal.ge."
updated: "2026-10-15"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

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

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/notariat-and-civil-acts-en/name-and-surname-change-filing-the-application-and-appeal-of-a-refusal-en

## 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.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/notariat-and-civil-acts-en/name-and-surname-change-filing-the-application-and-appeal-of-a-refusal-en

### 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.