How To Apply For Change of Name in Botswana?

Organization : Department of Civil and National Registration
Facility : Change of Name
Country : Botswana
Website : https://gov.bw/civil-registration/change-name

How To Apply For Change of Name in Botswana?

This service allows citizens of Botswana to change their official name, as registered in the Civil and National Registry.

Related / Similar Facility : How To Apply For National Identity Card in Botswana?

Steps:
In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.
** Complete and submit Application for Change of Name (with relevant support documents) to the Department of Civil and National Registration.
** The application will be processed and publicised in the Government Gazette for 30 days to accommodate possible objections.
** If there are no objections, an authorisation is publicised for 14 days in the Government Gazette to inform members of the proposed change.
** If there is no objection to the authorisation, an authorisation letter is issued to the client.

Documents Required For Change of Name in Botswana

Certified copies of the following documents should accompany the application form when applying for this service.

Change of Name due to marriage:
** Marriage Certificate or certificate from customary authorities in the case of a customary marriage (on the marriage of applicant’s parents).

Change of Name due to any other reasons:
** Birth Certificate or Affidavit of Birth.
** School Academic Certificates.
** Omang Card.
** Page 1 and 2 of passport.
** Any other legal documents.

FAQ On Change of Name in Botswana

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ On Change of Name in Botswana

How long will this service take?
** Change of name due to marriage is processed same day
** Change of name due to any other reason takes 69 days to complete.

Who is eligible?
All citizens of Botswana.

Where do I apply for a name change?
You must apply in person at any of the 37 decentralized DCNR district offices or sub-district offices across the country. For Gaborone and surrounding areas, the service standard turn-around time is roughly 8 days; outlying regions may take up to 14 days.

What documents are required?
Typical application requirements include:
** Your current National ID (Omang)
** Your original Birth Certificate
** A police report or sworn affidavit explaining the reason for the name change
** Supporting documents (e.g., a Marriage Certificate for spousal surname changes, or a Deed Poll)

Can minors change their names?
Yes, but the application must be submitted by the child’s parents or legal guardians. The legal age to manage one’s own national registration in Botswana is 16 years old. Minors aged 16 and over must come in person to submit their biometrics.

What are the legal restrictions?
Under the Change of Surname Act, name changes are heavily regulated to prevent fraud, the evasion of legal obligations, or the assumption of derogatory/demeaning names. Any proposed surname must adhere to cultural norms and establish a direct, recognizable link to biological or legal family ties.

Contact Botswana Department of Civil and National Registration

All Regional and Diatrict Offices accross the country

Department of Civil and National Registration
Head Office, Block 8, Government Enclave
Khama Crescent
Private Bag 00240
Gaborone
Botswana

Tel:(+267) 361100/1400/ 1465
Toll Free Number: 0800 600 777
Opening Hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.