Changing your Name and Child Naming Ceremonies

The law in Scotland allows anyone who wishes to change their forename or surname to do so. You may use almost any chosen name you wish and the new name does not have to be connected in any way to either your original names or those of your family members.

Any change of forename or surname for persons who were born or adopted in Scotland may be recorded against the appropriate entry in the birth register. Once this has been done, a birth certificate may be obtained which shows the new forename and/or surname.

Once you have decided to change either your forename or surname, you should advise any agency or Department that may have a record of your name. This will usually include your bank, employers, doctor, social security etc.

How Do I Get a Birth Certificate which shows the New Name?

There are actually several ways in which a name may be changed on a birth certificate, depending upon your particular circumstances. The most common way to record a name however, is by a Recording of Change of Name. Before you consider applying for any recording of name however, you should speak to your local registrar, who will be able to advise you about the most suitable way to proceed.

You can obtain an application form from any registrar of births deaths and marriages in Scotland. The staff at Dundee will guide you through the process of completing the form and advise you of the procedure. Alternately you may write to the National Records of Scotland, Change of Name Unit, New Register House, Edinburgh EH1 3YT, to whom all completed applications must be sent along with the fees for recording the change. Cheques and postal orders should be crossed and made payable to “The Scottish Government.” It is advisable that you first speak to the local registrar however, to advise you of the most suitable means of recording a change of name.

Anyone aged 16 years or older, who was born or adopted in Scotland may apply at any time for a change of name to be recorded. If the change of name is for a child under 16, the application must be made by a qualified informant, i.e.

• Where neither parent has responsibility for the child, the application must be made by the person with responsibility.
• Both parents of a child, where joint responsibility is held.
• The parent who has sole parental responsibilities in relation to a child.

Following recent enquiries from members of the public, Dundee City Council and Dundee City Registrar are pleased to offer 2 further types of civil ceremony within Dundee Registration District. These ceremonies are being offered for renewal of marriage or civil partnership vows and naming ceremonies for children.

The naming ceremony for children is a non religious ceremony that will allow parents to formally give their baby or child its forenames before family and friends and is also an opportunity to publicly pledge their commitment to raising the child in accordance with specific values.

Child Naming Ceremonies may be held at any location or venue within Dundee Registration District, so long as the primary purpose of the venue is not religious (e.g. a church).

Fees

The fees for a Child Naming ceremony in Dundee are:

• Office Fee - weekdays office hours - £180.00
• Out of Office weekedays - office hours - £225.00
• Saturdays / out of office hours weekdays - any venue - £255.00
• Sunday any venue - £285.00
• Public holiday any venue - £315.00
• Naming ceremony immediately following a marriage - £180.00

Child Naming ceremonies outwith Dundee:

• Office Fee - weekdays office hours- N/A
• Out of Office weekdays - office hours - £265.00
• Saturdays / out of office hours weekdays - any venue - £288.00
• Sunday any venue - £320.00
• Public holiday any venue - £365.00