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Spain’s Surname Law: Changes in Order and How to implement Them
Table of Contents
Updated as of August 30,2025,22:50:40 UTC.This article details recent changes to Spanish surname law, allowing individuals and parents greater flexibility in surname order.
Background: Customary Spanish Surname Practices
Traditionally, Spanish naming conventions involved two surnames: the frist from the father’s family and the second from the mother’s family. This practice, while deeply rooted in Spanish culture, historically prioritized the paternal lineage. The recent legal changes aim to address this imbalance and offer more equitable options.
The Law of Changes in the order of Surnames (2022)
As 2022, the Law of Changes in the Order of Surnames (Ley de Modificación del Código Civil, en relación con el orden de los apellidos) has granted individuals over the age of 18 the right to modify the order of thier surnames, allowing them to place their mother’s surname before their father’s. This represents a notable shift in Spanish legal tradition. The official state Gazette (BOE) published the law on October 27, 2022. boletín Oficial del Estado.
Moreover, the legislation empowers parents to decide the order of surnames for their first child, with that decision automatically applying to all subsequent children registered together. This simplifies the process for families wishing to adopt a non-traditional surname order.
How to Request a Surname Change
The procedure for changing surname order is conducted at the Civil Registry (Registro Civil). Specific requirements and processes may vary slightly depending on the region within Spain. Generally, the following steps are involved:
- Application Submission: A formal application must be submitted to the Civil Registry where the individual is registered.
- Documentation: Required documents typically include a valid identification document (DNI or passport), birth certificate, and proof of address.
- Processing Time: Processing times can vary, but generally take several weeks to a few months.
- Registration: once approved, the change is officially registered in the Civil Registry and reflected on official documents.
Detailed information and application forms can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Ministerio de Justicia.
Impact and Implications
This legal change has several important implications:
- gender Equality: The law promotes gender equality by allowing individuals to prioritize their mother’s surname.
- Individual Choice: It grants individuals greater autonomy over their personal identity and naming conventions.
- Family Dynamics: It allows families to express their values and preferences through surname order.
- Administrative Updates: Individuals who change their surname order will need to update their identification documents, passports, and other official records.
regional Variations
While the law is national, the implementation and specific procedures may differ slightly between autonomous communities in Spain. It is advisable to consult the local Civil Registry for precise requirements and processing times.
