GUIDE: Here’s how you can legally change your name
Not everyone wins the name lottery at birth. Many people actually grow up wishing they could change the one written on their birth certificate—whether because it constantly gets mispronounced, sparks endless jokes, or simply never felt like it fit their personality.
Take it from Sharmaine, the viral TikTok orange popularized by content creator Baet, who famously lamented its "unimaginative" name and went to great lengths to have it changed. In the skit, the orange hilariously complains about being named after its color, arguing it deserved something more creative. Because of this, it is seeking a lawyer to start the process of notarization. But jokes aside, is legally changing your name in the Philippines really that easy?
According to social media user Bored Lawyer, Sharmaine still has so much steps to take beyond a notarized document or affidavit. They pointed out how Article 376 of the Civil Code of the Philippines states that "no person can change his name or surname without judicial authority."
"A notarized affidavit is not a substitute for these legal processes. At most, it may serve as supporting evidence, but it does not by itself legally change a person’s name," Bored Laywer explained
If you're on the same boat as "Sharmaine," here’s what the law actually says, including the requirements, process, and how much it may cost you:
When are you allowed to change your name?
Republic Act No. 9048 says that the petition for change of the first name or nickname may only be allowed if the person "finds the first name or nickname to be ridiculous, tainted with dishonor or extremely difficult to write or pronounce."
A person may also file a petition if they have been habitually and continuously using another first name or nickname in the community, or if changing the name would help avoid confusion.
The petition will come in the form of an affidavit, subscribed and sworn to before any person authorized by law to administer oaths. It must contain facts necessary to establish the merits of the petition.
Aside from this, the person will also need to provide include a certified machine copy of the birth record containing the entry to be corrected, and at least two public or private documents upon which the correction shall be based like baptismal certificate, voters affidavit, employment record, among others.
Other documents that may be required by the civil registrar include police clearance, civil registry records of ascendants and other clearances, and more.
To change a first name or nickname, the individual must submit the same supporting documents required for clerical errors. Additionally, they must publish the petition in a newspaper once a week for two consecutive weeks, and provide police and NBI clearances proving they have no criminal record.
What happens next?
After the individual has gathered the necessary documents, they must present their petition to the civil registrar or the consul general where the birth certificate is registered. If born abroad, they will need to file it to the Philippine Consulate Office where the birth is reported.
Afterwards, they will examine the case and, if sufficient in form and substance, will render a decision after five working days.
In case the petition is rejected, the individual may seek reconsideration with the civil registrar general or file the appropriate petition with the proper court.
If they cannot personally file their case, the Philippine Statistics Authority detailed that it can also be filed on their behalf by their spouse, or any of their children, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, guardians, or persons duly authorized by law.
According to the PSA, filing fees depend on the nature of the petition: P1,000 is charged to correct minor typographical errors, such as blurred names or misspelled words, while P3,000 applies when changing a first name that differs from the one recorded on the birth certificate.
Respicio Law also said that if required, local publication/posting can be minimal. However, if a newspaper publication is needed, it can range from P1,500 to P3,000 or more, depending on the newspaper rates.
There can also be miscellaneous fees such as authentication fees, notarization of affidavits, photocopies, etc., which could cost between P500 and P1,000.
They noted that costs may vary by city or municipality, so applicants should consult their local civil registrar for an exact breakdown of fees.