How to Change Your Surname After Marriage: Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your Documents

After officially registering a marriage in Georgia, couples receive a marriage certificate. If one partner decides to change their surname, it is essential to update all personal documents. This process requires careful attention and planning to avoid any inconveniences related to travel, banking, or filing official applications.

Options under Georgian law

Georgian law offers various options regarding surname changes after marriage:

A woman can keep her own surname.

She can adopt her husband's surname.

A double surname is allowed, where the wife's surname precedes the husband's.

A man can also choose to take his wife's surname, opt for a double surname, or keep his own.

This means both spouses have equal rights and can independently decide their surname after marriage.

When does the document replacement process begin?

If a surname change is indicated immediately upon marriage registration, updating all documents becomes mandatory. However, this is not possible in Georgia; document replacement can only occur in the country of citizenship. 

The timeframe for this process varies depending on national legislation, but it generally takes one to two months. During this period, passports, bank cards, and other documents are updated, which may lead to challenges with travel or financial transactions. 

As a result, many couples, particularly those who travel frequently or reside outside their country of citizenship, prefer to keep their surnames unchanged. Nevertheless, spouses can change their surname at any time based on their marriage, even if this decision is not reflected in the original certificate. 

Instructions for document renewal

Changing a surname and updating related documents involves several stages:

Obtaining a certificate

The marriage certificate is issued at the House of Justice immediately after the ceremony. If a new surname is indicated during registration, the document will already include the updated information.

Translation and legalization

To use the certificate in another country, an official translation into the country's official language and subsequent legalization according to established procedures are necessary.

Passport Renewal

Upon returning home, the spouse must apply for a passport change. Typically, the following documents must be provided:

• Original marriage certificate.

• Legalized translation.

• Name change application.

Passport production times vary; this generally takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Updating other documents

Once the new passport is received, several other documents will also need updating, including:

• Bank cards and accounts

• Driver's licenses

• Insurance policies

• Visas and residence permits

• Employment-related documents

Practical advice

To ensure a smooth renewal process, we recommend preparing a list of all documents that will require a name change. This preparation will help you avoid situations where an important document remains unupdated. 

Additionally, it's wise to check processing times for your passport and other documents in advance to plan any travel or work commitments effectively. If you intend to travel soon after your wedding, it may be beneficial to postpone your name change until a more convenient time. 

Changing your surname after marriage is a significant legal step that involves several mandatory procedures. Georgian law provides flexibility for spouses in choosing their surname, but the final decision is ultimately yours. The key is to remember the practical aspects: renewing your passport, financial documents, and legal documents. 

By preparing in advance and understanding your country's requirements, you can navigate this process smoothly and without unnecessary delays.