How to Legally Change Your Child’s Surname in Namibia

Are you considering changing your child’s surname for any of the reasons listed above? In Namibia, the process to change your child’s surname is quite simple and can be completed through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration. In this blog post, we will explain the procedure and requirements for changing a child’s surname in Namibia.

Requirements for Changing a Child’s Surname:

There are certain requirements that need to be met before a child’s surname can be changed in Namibia. These requirements depend on the circumstances under which the child’s surname will be changed. The following are some of the requirements for each circumstance:

If the child was born inside a marriage:

  • The child must be known by the mother’s or stepfather’s surname after the death of the child’s father or the divorce of the child’s parents.

If the child was born outside marriage:

  • If the child was registered with the father’s surname, but is known by the mother’s surname, the mother’s or stepfather’s surname can be used if the father is deceased or the parents have divorced.
  • If the child was registered with the mother’s surname or stepfather’s surname, the father’s surname can be used if he acknowledges the child.
  • If the child is known by the guardian’s surname, the guardian must consent in writing to the use of his or her surname.

Procedure for Changing a Child’s Surname:

If you meet the above requirements, you can proceed with the application process. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Visit the Registrar of Births at the nearest office of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration in person.
  2. Bring the child’s birth certificate or baptismal card, ID card, birth certificate or passport of the person whose surname the child will be adopting, written consent of the stepfather or guardian (if applicable), and a sworn statement indicating the reasons for the change of surname and the applicant’s contact details.
  3. Pay the required fee.

After the application has been processed, a new birth certificate will be issued with the new surname.

Fees for Changing a Child’s Surname:

As of 2013, the fee for changing a child’s surname 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.

Changing a child’s surname can be a relatively simple process if you meet the requirements and follow the procedure. The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration is always ready to assist you in this process. If you have any further questions, you can contact the head office at +264 61 292 2111.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for a change of a child’s surname?

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

What are the circumstances under which a child’s surname can be changed?

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

What are the requirements for changing a child’s surname?

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).

Can a child choose any surname they want?

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

What documents are required for the application?

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.

What is the fee for a change of a child’s surname?

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.

Can the child apply for a change of surname if they are over 21 years old?

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

Can a child’s surname be changed if their parents are still married?

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

What happens after a child’s surname has been changed?

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

How can one contact the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration for more information?

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

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If you have more questions, look through our blog for answers!