How to Legally Change Your Child’s Surname in Namibia

A parent, legal guardian or the child (if aged 18 or older) can apply for a change of a child’s surname.

1.) The child was born outside marriage and is known by the surname of the mother or surname of the mother’s husband (child’s stepfather) and not the surname listed on the birth certificate.
2.) The child was born outside marriage and was registered with the surname of the farther but is known by the surname of the mother.
3.) The child was born inside marriage and is known by the surname of the mother or the surname of the mother’s husband (child’s stepfather) after the death of the child’s father or the divorce of the child’s parents.
4.) The child is known by the surname of the child’s guardian (for example if both parents have died).
5.) A child was born outside marriage and registered with the surname of the mother but wishes to adopt the father’s surname, if the father has acknowledged the child

1.) The person whose surname the child will be adopting must provide their ID card, birth certificate or passport (or school certificate, baptismal certificate, or marriage certificate if they do not have an ID card or birth certificate).
2.) Written consent of the stepfather or guardian allowing the child to adopt his or her surname (if the surname being adopted is the stepfather’s or guardian’s).
3.) A sworn statement from the father acknowledging the child as his own (if the surname being adopted is that of the father of a child born outside marriage).
4.) A sworn statement indicating the reasons for the change of surname and the applicant’s contact details (residential address, postal address, email and telephone number).

No, the child can only choose a surname under the circumstances mentioned above, and with the appropriate legal consent.

1.) Your child’s birth certificate or baptismal card.
The ID card, birth certificate or passport of the person whose surname the child will be adopting.
2.) Written consent of the stepfather or guardian allowing the child to adopt his or her surname (if the surname being adopted is the stepfather’s or guardian’s).
3.) A sworn statement from the father acknowledging the child as his own (if the surname being adopted is that of the father of a child born outside marriage).
4.) A sworn statement indicating the reasons for the change of surname and the applicant’s contact details.

As of 2013, the fee is N$80 if the application is made by the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 21, and N$220 if the application is made by a person aged 21 or older on his or her own behalf.

Yes, a child aged 18 or older can apply for a change of their own surname.

Yes, a child’s surname can be changed if the parents are still married under the circumstances mentioned above.

A new birth certificate will be issued with the child’s new surname.

The head office can be contacted at +264 61 292 2111 for more information.