Some people have the surname of their father, while others have their mother’s surname. This can be a complicated situation when it comes to marriage and children. In South Africa, there are two ways to change your surname. One is through an application for a certificate of change of name in the Department of Home Affairs. The other is through marriage. When you marry someone with a different surname, you can change your name by deed poll and this will be recognised by the Department of Home Affairs as well as the National Credit Regulator (NCR).
People who want to change their surnames for cultural reasons should note that they cannot do so through an application for a certificate of change of name in the Department of Home Affairs or by deed poll because these options are only available if you want to take on your spouse’s surname or another family member’s surname.
Can you change your name after marriage in South Africa?
In South Africa, you can change your name after marriage for several reasons. The most common reason is to have the same surname as your spouse. If this is not possible, then you can adopt the surname of your spouse or a new one altogether.
There are many reasons people may want to change their name after marriage, but this article will focus on the most common: to have the same surname as their spouse.
In South Africa, if you and your partner do not share a surname and you get married, you will apply for a new identity card and passport in order to share the same last name as your spouse.
Is it legal to have a different last name in SA?
In South Africa, one may legally have a different last name from the one that was given at birth. This is called a ‘change of name’. The reasons for changing your name can vary. Change your name because you prefer it to the one you were given at birth, or because you want to make it easier for people to pronounce or spell it. You might also want to change your surname because of marriage or divorce.
To change your name in South Africa, you will need:
– One photocopy of a valid identity document with the old and new names on it – One photocopy of a valid identity document with the applicant’s current signature. – Two copies of an affidavit that states why they want their names changed and includes their current address. – One copy of an original document that proves citizenship (for example, a passport).
