Change first name or surname in Poland: 37 zł, USC, who can apply
Short answer: A first name or surname change in Poland needs an important reason and an application to the civil registry office (USC). The gov.pl page gives 37 zł for the decision and up to 1 month. Foreigners: refugees only.
Changing your first name or surname in Poland is possible only for a good reason, and the rules are strict. This guide summarises the official gov.pl service page on filing an application for a change of first name or surname. The page we read shows no publication date, so treat the details as undated and confirm them with the civil registry office (urząd stanu cywilnego, USC) before you apply.
Who can apply
According to the gov.pl page, the service is for a citizen who wants to change their first name or surname, lives in Poland, and has an important reason. The examples the page gives are:
- The name is ridiculous or embarrassing.
- The person does not use the first name or surname that was given to them.
- The name was changed unlawfully.
- The person wants a name that matches the law of another country of which they are a citizen.
The page also covers a foreigner who obtained refugee status in Poland, but only when their life, health, freedom or personal safety is at risk. The page does not describe any other route for foreigners. If you are a foreigner without refugee status, ask the USC whether any route applies to you. This is a different matter from changing your surname after marriage or divorce, which has its own procedure.
What you need
The page lists the details for the application: your town, first name, further names, surname, birth surname and correspondence address. You also need:
- Proof that you paid the fee.
- Your ID card, or in justified cases another identity document, to show to the clerk.
- Documents that you think support your application as evidence.
- A power of attorney, in the original or an officially certified copy, with proof of payment of its stamp duty, if you use a representative.
If the change affects your children
If a parent changes their surname and the change extends to minor children, the page lists extra papers:
- The other parent's consent, given in person before the registry office head or deputy, or in writing with a notarised signature.
- Or a final court decision allowing the change when the parents disagree.
- Or a final court judgment in the case of deprivation of parental authority, with a court certificate that the parent has not asked for it to be restored.
If the child is 13 or older, the child's consent is also needed. The child gives it in person before the registry office head or deputy, or in writing with a notarised signature.
Where to apply
At the civil registry office where your birth certificate or marriage certificate was drawn up. You show the original documents to the clerk who handles your case.
Cost
The page gives these amounts:
- 37 zł for the decision on the change of first name or surname.
- 17 zł stamp duty for filing a power of attorney, per power of attorney relationship. Powers given to a spouse, ascendant, descendant or sibling are exempt, as are powers given by an entity that is exempt from stamp duty.
You pay to the account of the relevant office, by bank transfer, by postal order or at the cash desk, no later than the day you file. Confirm the fees with the office, because the page has no date.
How long it takes
Up to 1 month from filing a complete application. In particularly complicated cases it can take up to 2 months. Depending on what you tick on the application, you receive the document at the office or by post.
Limits to know
The page says:
- You cannot apply for a historical surname that is significant for culture, science, political, social or military activity if you have no family members with that surname.
- After the change, your surname can have at most two parts, and you can have at most two first names.
- If the decision is positive, the registry office head notifies the registry offices that hold your birth and marriage records of the change.
What the page does not say
The page has no date and does not explain the appeal route. It also does not describe how a non-refugee foreigner can change a name in Poland. Ask the USC about these points.
* Photos: "Pardon" Pen (public domain) and Date ink stamp (CC0), both from Wikimedia Commons, used as illustrative images only.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a name change cost in Poland?
The gov.pl page gives 37 zł for the decision, plus 17 zł stamp duty if you use a power of attorney, unless you are exempt. Confirm with the office because the page is undated.
Who handles the application?
The civil registry office (USC) where your birth or marriage certificate was drawn up.
Can a foreigner change their name this way?
The page covers citizens, and foreigners only if they have refugee status in Poland and face a threat to life, health, freedom or personal safety. Ask the USC about other cases.
How long does it take?
Up to 1 month for a complete application, and up to 2 months in particularly complicated cases.
