How to File a Petition for Change of First Name (RA 9048)
Republic Act No. 9048 allows Filipinos to petition for a change of first name through an administrative process at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO), without going to court. This is separate from correction of clerical errors -- a change of first name involves replacing the first name entirely, not just fixing a typo. It is important to note that only one petition for change of first name per person is allowed in a lifetime.
Change of First Name at a Glance
Estimated Cost
Approximately P3,000 to P5,000 total, including the filing fee at the LCRO, newspaper publication fee, and other documentary expenses such as NBI clearance and affidavits.
Timeline
1 to 4 months at the LCRO (including publication and waiting periods), plus an additional 2 to 3 months for PSA to update their records and reflect the name change.
Key Fact
Under RA 9048, only one petition for change of first name is allowed per person in a lifetime. Once granted, you cannot file another petition to change your first name again through the administrative process.
Warning: Change of First Name vs. Correction of Clerical Error
A change of first name means replacing your first name entirely with a different name (e.g., changing "Carlito" to "Carlo"). A correction of clerical error means fixing a typographical mistake in your existing name (e.g., correcting "Jonh" to "John"). These are two different petitions under RA 9048, with different requirements and grounds. Additionally, changes to the last name (surname) cannot be done administratively -- they require a court petition filed with the Regional Trial Court (RTC). Make sure you are filing the correct petition before proceeding.
Valid Grounds for Change of First Name
Under RA 9048, a petition for change of first name may only be granted if one or more of the following grounds are established. The petitioner must clearly state and prove the applicable ground in the petition.
Ridiculous, Tainted, or Difficult
Ground 1
The first name is ridiculous, tainted with dishonor, or is extremely difficult to write or pronounce. This includes names that cause embarrassment, are associated with negative connotations, or are unusually complex and impractical for everyday use.
Habitual and Continuous Use
Ground 2
The new first name has been habitually and continuously used by the petitioner and is known in the community by that different name. The petitioner must show that they have been using the new name for a significant period of time and that it is the name by which they are commonly known.
To Avoid Confusion
Ground 3
The change is necessary to avoid confusion. For example, when the petitioner has the same first name as another family member, or when a namesake causes legal or practical issues such as problems with government records, financial transactions, or identification.
Who Can File the Petition?
Under RA 9048, the following persons may file a petition for change of first name at the Local Civil Registry Office:
Primary Petitioners
- The owner of the document (the person whose first name is to be changed)
- The parents of a minor (if the document owner is below 18 years old)
Other Qualified Petitioners
- An authorized representative with a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) from the document owner
- Overseas Filipinos may file through the nearest Philippine Consulate or Embassy, which will forward the petition to the appropriate LCRO
Note: If the document owner is a minor, the petition must be filed by any of the parents. If the petitioner is abroad, they may authorize a representative in the Philippines through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) authenticated by the Philippine Consulate.
Requirements for Change of First Name
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| PSA Copy of Birth Certificate | A certified PSA-issued copy of the birth certificate showing the current first name to be changed. Cost: P155 per copy from PSA Serbilis or PSAHelpline.ph. |
| Petition Form (RA 9048 for Change of First Name) | The official petition form for change of first name provided by the LCRO. This is a different form from the correction of clerical error petition. Must be filled out completely and signed under oath. |
| At Least 3 Public Documents Showing Habitual Use of New Name | Documents that prove the petitioner has been habitually using the new first name. Acceptable documents include: school records (Form 137, diploma, transcript), employment records (payslips, COE, company ID), government-issued IDs, voter's registration, baptismal certificate, medical records, and other official documents showing the new name. |
| NBI Clearance | A valid NBI clearance to verify the petitioner's identity and ensure no pending criminal cases related to identity fraud. Cost: P155. Apply online at the NBI website or visit an NBI branch. |
| Police Clearance | A police clearance from the local police station of the petitioner's place of residence. Cost: approximately P100 to P150 depending on the locality. |
| Barangay Certification of Good Moral Character | A certification from the barangay where the petitioner currently resides, confirming residency and attesting to the petitioner's good moral character. This helps establish the petitioner's identity in the community. |
| Joint Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons | A sworn statement from two persons who are not related to the petitioner within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, attesting that they know the petitioner by the new first name and confirming the habitual use of the name. The affidavit must be notarized. |
| Valid ID and Cedula | At least one valid government-issued ID with photo and signature (e.g., passport, driver's license, PhilSys/National ID, UMID, SSS ID, PRC ID, postal ID). Bring the original and a photocopy. A Community Tax Certificate (cedula) is also required. |
| Filing Fee | Approximately P1,000 to P3,000 depending on the Local Government Unit (LGU). This is paid to the LCRO upon submission of the petition. The filing fee for change of first name is generally higher than for correction of clerical error. |
| Newspaper Publication Fee | Approximately P1,000 to P2,000 for publication of the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, once a week for two consecutive weeks. The exact cost depends on the newspaper and locality. |
Step-by-Step: Filing a Petition for Change of First Name
The following steps outline the complete process for changing your first name through the administrative process at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) under RA 9048. This process does not require a court petition.
Verify Your Eligibility with the LCRO
Visit the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of the city or municipality where your birth was originally registered, or the LCRO of your current place of residence. Inform the civil registrar that you wish to file a petition for change of first name under RA 9048. The registrar will verify whether your grounds are valid and whether you are eligible to file.
Tip: Bring your PSA birth certificate and any IDs showing the name you want to use. The registrar can quickly assess whether your petition has valid grounds and advise you on the specific requirements for your case.
Obtain PSA Copy and NBI/Police Clearance
Request a certified copy of your birth certificate from PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) through PSA Serbilis outlets, online via PSAHelpline.ph, or by visiting the PSA Civil Registry Service office. The fee is P155 per copy. Also obtain your NBI clearance (P155) and police clearance (P100-P150) from the respective offices.
Important: The NBI clearance and police clearance are required to prove that the name change is not being sought for fraudulent purposes or to evade legal obligations.
Gather Supporting Documents Showing Habitual Use
Collect at least three (3) public or official documents that show you have been habitually and continuously using the new first name. The more documents you can provide, the stronger your petition. These documents serve as evidence that the community and institutions know you by the new name.
- School records (Form 137, diploma, transcript of records)
- Employment records (payslips, certificate of employment, company ID)
- Government-issued IDs (voter's ID, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, postal ID)
- Baptismal certificate or church records
- Medical or hospital records
- Insurance policies, bank records
Also secure the Barangay Certification of good moral character and ask two disinterested persons (not related to you) to execute a joint affidavit attesting to your use of the new name.
Fill Out the Petition Form at the LCRO
The LCRO will provide the official petition form for change of first name under RA 9048. Fill out the form completely with the following information:
- Full name, address, and contact information of the petitioner
- The current first name as it appears on the birth certificate
- The desired new first name
- The specific ground for the change (ridiculous/tainted name, habitual use, or to avoid confusion)
- List of supporting documents attached to the petition
The petition must be signed under oath by the petitioner before the City/Municipal Civil Registrar or a notary public.
Submit the Petition and Pay the Filing Fee
Submit the duly accomplished and sworn petition together with all the required supporting documents to the LCRO. The civil registrar will review your petition and documents to determine if the change of first name qualifies under RA 9048.
At this point, you will be required to pay the filing fee of approximately P1,000 to P3,000 (depending on the LGU). The LCRO will issue an official receipt. Keep this receipt as proof of your filing.
Note: If the civil registrar determines that the grounds are insufficient or the petition does not qualify under RA 9048, your petition may be denied. The filing fee is non-refundable.
Publication in a Newspaper of General Circulation
Once the petition is accepted, the LCRO will cause the publication of the petition in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks. This is a mandatory requirement under RA 9048 to give notice to the public and allow any interested party to oppose the petition.
The publication fee is approximately P1,000 to P2,000, depending on the newspaper and locality. This fee is paid by the petitioner. After the second publication, there is a mandatory 10-day waiting period before the civil registrar can act on the petition.
10-Day Waiting Period, Then Civil Registrar Decides
After the publication period expires and the mandatory 10-day waiting period has passed, the City or Municipal Civil Registrar will review the petition, all supporting documents, and determine whether the petition is meritorious. If no opposition is filed and the grounds are valid, the Civil Registrar will approve the petition and issue an order granting the change of first name.
Important: If an opposition is filed during the publication or waiting period, the Civil Registrar will evaluate the opposition. If the opposition has merit, the petition may be denied. The petitioner may then need to file a court petition instead.
LCRO Annotates Record and Forwards to PSA
If the petition is approved, the LCRO will annotate the change of first name on the local copy of the birth certificate. The LCRO will then forward the approved petition, the order, and the annotated civil registry document to the PSA Civil Registry Service for implementation. PSA will update their records and the name change will be reflected in future PSA-issued copies of the birth certificate.
Timeline: It typically takes 2 to 3 months after the LCRO forwards the documents before the name change is reflected in PSA's system. You can then request an updated PSA copy showing the new first name.
Complete Example: Carlo's Name Change
Carlo's birth certificate shows his first name as "Carlito" but he has been known as "Carlo" since childhood. All his school records, government IDs, and employment records consistently show "Carlo." He decided to file a petition for change of first name at the LCRO to align his birth certificate with the name he has always used. Here is how Carlo changed his first name:
Verified Eligibility and Gathered Initial Documents
Carlo visited the LCRO where his birth was registered and confirmed that his case qualifies under RA 9048 (habitual and continuous use of a different first name). He then obtained his PSA birth certificate (P155), NBI clearance (P155), and requested a police clearance from the local station.
Gathered Supporting Documents and Filed Petition
Carlo gathered 5 documents showing habitual use of "Carlo": his high school diploma, college transcript, SSS ID, voter's ID, and certificate of employment. He obtained a Barangay Certification and asked two co-workers to execute a joint affidavit (P200 for notarization). He filled out the petition form at the LCRO, submitted all documents, and paid the P1,500 filing fee.
Publication and Waiting Period
The LCRO arranged for the publication of Carlo's petition in a local newspaper of general circulation. The notice was published once a week for two consecutive weeks. Carlo paid the P1,500 publication fee. No one filed an opposition during the publication period. After the second publication, there was a mandatory 10-day waiting period.
LCRO Approved the Petition
After the waiting period expired with no opposition, the Civil Registrar reviewed the petition and supporting documents, found the petition meritorious based on habitual and continuous use, and issued an order approving the change of first name from "Carlito" to "Carlo." The LCRO annotated the change on the local copy and forwarded all documents to PSA.
PSA Updated the Record
Approximately 2 months after the LCRO forwarded the documents, PSA updated their records. Carlo requested a new PSA copy of his birth certificate (P155) and confirmed that it now shows his first name as "Carlo." The annotation at the bottom of the certificate notes the RA 9048 change of first name with the order number and date.
Cost Summary for Carlo's Name Change
Total timeline: approximately 3-5 months from filing to receiving the updated PSA copy. Actual costs may vary by locality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between change of first name and correction of clerical error?
A change of first name involves replacing your first name with an entirely different name (e.g., "Carlito" to "Carlo"). A correction of clerical error involves fixing a typographical mistake in your existing name (e.g., "Jonh" to "John"). Both are covered under RA 9048 but use different petition forms, have different grounds, and the change of first name generally costs more and requires more supporting documents (at least 3 documents showing habitual use, NBI clearance, police clearance, etc.).
Can I change my last name (surname) through RA 9048?
No. RA 9048 only covers the change of first name or nickname in the civil registry. A change of last name (surname) is considered a substantial change and requires a court petition filed with the Regional Trial Court (RTC) under Rule 103 of the Rules of Court. This process requires a lawyer, is more expensive (P20,000 to P100,000 or more), and takes 6 to 12 months or longer.
How many times can I file a petition for change of first name?
Under RA 9048, only one petition for change of first name is allowed per person in a lifetime. Once a petition is granted, you cannot file another administrative petition to change your first name again. This is why it is important to carefully choose the new first name before filing.
How long does the entire process take?
The process at the LCRO typically takes 1 to 4 months from filing to approval (including the 2-week publication period and 10-day waiting period). After approval, it takes an additional 2 to 3 months for PSA to update their records and reflect the name change. So the total time from filing to receiving an updated PSA copy is usually 3 to 7 months. Processing through a Philippine Consulate (for overseas Filipinos) may take longer.
What if I am abroad? Can I still file for change of first name?
Yes. If you are a Filipino living abroad, you have two options: (1) File the petition through the nearest Philippine Consulate or Embassy, which will forward it to the appropriate LCRO in the Philippines; or (2) Execute a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) authorizing a trusted person in the Philippines to file the petition on your behalf. The SPA must be authenticated by the Philippine Consulate. Processing through the consulate may take longer (4-8 months or more) due to the additional coordination required.
What happens after my petition is approved?
After the LCRO approves your petition, the change is annotated on the local copy of your birth certificate, and the LCRO forwards the documents to PSA. Once PSA updates their records (typically 2-3 months), you should request a new PSA copy to verify the name change. After that, you must update all your other government records and IDs -- SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, passport (DFA), driver's license (LTO), voter's registration (COMELEC), school records, bank accounts, and employer records -- to reflect the new first name.
Important Reminders
- Only one petition per lifetime: Under RA 9048, you can only file one petition for change of first name in your entire lifetime. Make sure you are certain about the new name before filing.
- This is different from correction of clerical error: If your birth certificate has a typo in your name, you should file for correction of clerical error instead, not change of first name. Using the wrong petition type will cause delays and additional costs.
- Last name changes require a court petition: RA 9048 only covers changes to the first name or nickname. Changing your surname requires a separate court petition under Rule 103 of the Rules of Court.
- Gather as many supporting documents as possible: While the minimum is 3 documents showing habitual use, the more documents you provide, the stronger your petition. Aim for 5 or more documents from different sources.
- Filing fees are non-refundable: If your petition is denied by the Civil Registrar, the filing fee will not be refunded. Make sure your grounds are valid and your documents are complete before filing.
- Update all other records after the name change: Once you have the updated PSA birth certificate, update your name with all other agencies -- SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, passport (DFA), driver's license (LTO), voter's registration (COMELEC), school records, bank accounts, and employer records.
- Follow up with PSA after LCRO approval: The LCRO forwards documents to PSA, but it may take 2-3 months for PSA to update their system. Follow up by requesting a new PSA copy to verify the name change has been implemented.
- Keep all original receipts and documents: Retain original copies of the filing receipt, publication proof, the approved order, and all supporting documents. You may need these for future government transactions or to prove the name change.
Need Help?
Contact Your Local Civil Registry
- Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO): Visit the LCRO of the city or municipality where your birth was registered, or your current place of residence
- PSA Helpline: (02) 8737-1111
- PSA Email: info@psa.gov.ph
- PSA Website: www.psa.gov.ph
- PSAHelpline Online: psahelpline.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (no noon break)
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the Local Civil Registrar you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest Local Civil Registrar first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.