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Why Legal Name Change Matters

In today's world, a person's name is an integral part of their identity and personality. Many Iranians seek a legal name change for various reasons, such as dissatisfaction with a childhood-given name, discrepancies between official and common names (dual naming), or cultural and social issues. Fortunately, Iranian laws recognize this right and outline a clear process for the legal path to name change. In this legal article, we explore the steps for name change in Iran, required documents, and key legal tips to provide you with comprehensive guidance.

Common Reasons for Name Change Requests

Personal Dissatisfaction: A name chosen in childhood may no longer align with one's current taste.

Dual Naming: Difference between the registered name on the ID and the socially known name.

Legal and Administrative Issues: Preventing problems in financial, commercial, or official document transactions.

Human Rights: Based on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), to which Iran is a party, the right to choose a name is a fundamental right.

Legal Steps for Name Change in Iran

The process of legal name change is governed by Article 4 of the Civil Registration Law and Article 995 of the Civil Code. The steps are as follows:

Initial Review: Ensure the new name is not on the prohibited names list by the Supreme Council of Civil Registration. (Check the Civil Registration Organization website.)

Prepare Petition: Submit a name change petition to the competent civil court in your place of residence.

Provide Documents and Evidence: For dual naming cases, attach a local affidavit and introduce witnesses.

Court Review: The court evaluates the reasons; it typically approves based on jurisprudential principles (such as preserving human dignity) and avoiding administrative issues.

Issuance of Ruling and Document Amendment: After the ruling is finalized, visit the Civil Registration Organization to update your birth certificate and national ID.

Notify Relevant Entities: Inform banks, government offices, and passport authorities of the change.

For clerical errors in the birth certificate, the Dispute Resolution Board of the Civil Registration Organization handles it directly, without court involvement.

Required Documents for Name Change

To streamline your name change process, prepare the following documents:

Original and copy of birth certificate and national ID.

Official petition form (from the court).

Local affidavit (signed by 3-5 credible witnesses).

Criminal record certificate (in specific cases).

Payment receipt for court fees (approximately 200,000-500,000 IRR, depending on 2025 rates).

Key Legal Tips for Name Change

No Age Restriction: Individuals over 18 can apply independently; for minors, parents are responsible.

Costs: In addition to court fees, expect Civil Registration costs (around 100,000-200,000 IRR).

Timeline: The entire process takes 1-3 months.

Prohibitions: Offensive, non-Iranian, or culturally/Islamically inappropriate names are banned.

International Rights: Iran is committed to protecting personal identity, so courts generally approve reasonable requests.

Conclusion: What's Your Next Step?

A legal name change is not only a right, but also a tool for preserving mental peace and personal identity. If you're ready, consult a specialized lawyer—we're by your side to help you navigate the process without any hassle. For more information, visit the Civil Registration Organization website (sabteahval.ir). What's your take on the name change steps? Share in the comments!