Know before you change! Important documents for requesting a surname change

Criteria for registering a surname/changing a surname

• It must not be similar to or intended to be similar to the Queen’s royal name.
• It must not be similar to or intended to be similar to a royal title, except if it is the royal title of oneself, one’s parents or descendants.
• It must not be the same as the royal surname of the King or a registered surname.
• No rude words or meanings
• There are no more than 10 consonants, except in the case of royal titles.
• Those who have not been granted a royal surname are prohibited from using the word “Na” before their surname.
• Do not use the name of the capital city and the term used as the royal title as a surname.

What documents are required to change your surname?

• Copy of house registration
• National ID card
• Name change certificate (if any)

Procedure for requesting a new surname change

1. The applicant submits an application using Form Chor.1 to the local registrar in whose name is registered in the house registration.
2. The local registrar checks the request and the requested name change to ensure it complies with the criteria.
3. The local registrar forwards the request for registration of a surname in sequence to the central registrar.
4. The Central Registrar will consider and report the results back to the province to inform the local registrar to inform the applicant.
5. In the case where the central registrar approves, the local registrar will issue a certificate of registration of the surname (Form Chor. 2) as evidence and collect a fee.
6. Once the document has been received, the applicant must take the document to request correction of the information in the house registration and other evidence to be correct and request a change of national identification card.

Important documents required to notify of surname change

Another important thing you shouldn’t forget to do after changing your surname is to notify your change of surname on various important documents. These important documents include…

Land title deed

If you own a land title deed, you must complete the process of changing your surname on the title deed. The documents you need to prepare are your ID card, house registration, the title deed, and a copy of the name change document. Then, go to the Land Office to inform the officials about your surname change request.

driving license

To report a change of surname, you do not need to take a new driver’s license test. Simply bring your original driver’s license, ID card, house registration, and name change certificate, along with a copy, to the Department of Land Transport. An officer will then issue a new driver’s license and pay the fee as specified by the Department of Land Transport.

Vehicle registration book (car owner)

For car owners, you can submit a request for a change of surname to the Department of Land Transport (in the province where the car is registered). Prepare the car registration manual (the blue book that every car must have), ID card, house registration, and name change form to submit to the official.

Bank account

After you change your surname, you should go to the bank where you opened the account to contact the officer to request the surname change. The documents you need to prepare are your national ID card, name change certificate, and your bank account book.

credit card

To change your surname on a credit card, the process is simple: contact your bank or call center to report the change. Usually, the officer will request your national ID card and a name change certificate as proof. The bank will then issue a new credit card (with the same number) but with your new name and surname. Most banks will send the new card via mail within one week, and a fee may also be charged.

passport

Another important document you will need to notify of your surname change is your passport. You will need to visit any passport office nationwide under the supervision of the Department of Consular Affairs. The important documents you will need to prepare include your ID card, surname change certificate, and your old passport.

:  List of places to get a passport in Thailand, updated in 2024

Insurance policy

If you have insurance, whether it’s car insurance, life insurance, health insurance, accident insurance, etc., in which your name is the insured or the policy owner, you must notify them of your last name change to prevent problems when you claim benefits.

social security

If you are insured, you must notify the Social Security Office of your surname change to maintain your rights and prevent errors when applying for benefits. You can have your company’s HR department notify you of your surname change, or you can contact the Social Security Office in your area to complete the process yourself. The documents you need to prepare are a copy of your ID card, house registration, and name change certificate.