New guidelines regarding changing a surname (Richtlijnen Geslachtsnaamswijziging) will take effect on August 15, 2023

ORANJESTAD - The Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs (DWJZ) announces that as of August 15, 2023, the new guidelines with regards to changing a surname (Richtlijnen Geslachtsnaamswijziging) will take effect. 

These regulations are published in the official journal Landscourant van Aruba on July 28, 2023 (issue no. 16)

Due to the implementation of the revised surname law in the Civil Code of Aruba as of September 1, 2021, it is necessary to revise the current guidelines so that these are more in accordance with the revised law. This revision of the surname law includes the introduction of a right of option: the option to choose a surname. In the instances mentioned by law, there is the option to choose the surname of the father or the mother. Also, if the father or mother has a surname consisting of two names, the choice can be made to combine the surname of the father with that of the mother. 

In order to change your surname, a written request must be submitted to the Governor of Aruba through the minister in charge of Legal Affairs. As per the new guidelines, this request must be submitted to the Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs (DWJZ) by making an appointment during office hours with Mr. M. van der Linde at telephone number 5275172 or e-mail marlon.vdlinde@dwjz.gov.aw.

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