In Italian law, changing one’s name or surname is considered an exceptional measure and can only be requested in objectively significant situations, supported by adequate and compelling documentation and substantial reasons (e.g., names or surnames that are embarrassing, shameful, or reveal natural origins). It is never possible to request surnames of historical importance or those that might misleadingly associate the applicant with prominent or well-known families in the place of their birth or residence.
Specific Cases for Women.
According to Italian law, a married Italian woman retains her maiden surname for civil records. If, following a foreign marriage, the Italian married woman has changed her surname to that of her spouse, it is not possible to request a surname change simply to match the one assigned under British law. At most, after requesting marriage registration (https://consmanchester.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-italiano/stato-civile/) , the spouse’s surname can be added on page 4 of the passport. Additionally, one can request a certificate of registry concordance (https://consmanchester.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-italiano/certificati/) to confirm the equivalence of Italian and British details.
Italian citizens residing in the Manchester consular district can submit applications by post with the following documents:
- A fully completed application form (https://consmanchester.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-italiano/albo-consolare/albo-consolare/modulistica/)
ATTENTION. For name or surname changes concerning minors, use a specific form (link) signed by both parents, with:
- Copies of parents’ and minor’s passports.
- A joint statutory declaration where both parents consent to the minor’s name or surname change.
- A copy of an italian valid identity document.
- Written consent for the name or surname change from spouses, parents, and siblings, signed and dated, accompanied by a copy of their valid identity documents.
- A British criminal record certificate (“Police certificate for immigration purposes”) in original, legalized, and translated (https://consmanchester.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-italiano/legalizzazioni-apostille-e-traduzioni/)
- Deed Poll or Statutory declaration, if the applicant has already changed their name or surname in the UK, legalized and translated (https://consmanchester.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-italiano/legalizzazioni-apostille-e-traduzioni/)
- Any additional supporting documentation, legalized and translated (https://consmanchester.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-italiano/legalizzazioni-apostille-e-traduzioni/) if originating from abroad.
The documents must be sent to:
Consolato d’Italia – Ufficio Anagrafe e Stato Civile
58 Spring Gardens – 2nd Floor
M2 1EW Manchester
ATTENTION. The application will be sent to the Prefettura of the province of last residence in Italy or where their birth is registered. The Prefettura will evaluate the request and, if approved, issue a Provisional Decree. The Consulate will post a notice summarizing the application on the consular board (https://consmanchester.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-italiano/albo-consolare/albo-consolare/) for 30 days. If no objections are raised, the Prefettura will issue a Final Decree authorizing the name or surname change. Applicants must then request registration and annotation of the decree at the Italian Town hall (Comune) where their birth was registered before requesting new identity documents (passport, ID card, tax code, etc.).
Reverting to Original Name/Surname
Under Article 98, paragraph 2, of DPR November 3, 2000, Circular No. 397 of May 15, 2008, and Constitutional Court Decision No. 286 of November 8, 2016, it is possible to request the restoration of the original surname assigned at birth. For minors, this request must be supported by proof of parental agreement to add the maternal surname.
The requests must be sent directly to the Italian Town hall (Comune) where the birth is registered.
Gender/Sex Changes
Requests for name changes accompanying gender change requests fall under the jurisdiction of the Tribunale of the province of birth registration. Such requests must be sent directly to the relevant Italian Tribunale.