Change Surname

Change Surname in Malaysia: Everything You Need to Know

1. How to legally name change in Malaysia?

   Application for change of name of a child that is already registered must be made within one (1) year of the date of birth of the child under the BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION ACT 1957

   It can be made via application to the nearest Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN).

2. Remarried, can I change my child’s surname to either follow my surname or my current husband’s surname?

   According to the law, change of name cannot be done unless there is a clerical mistake in spelling and/or the application is made within 1 year of the date of birth of the child.

3. My children’s birth cert registers under my ex-boyfriend’s surname. And now the relationship between us is broken. Can I change my child’s surname?

   Answer same as above.

4. Both of us are not legally married, can I change my child’s surname?

   No. Unless the conditions under question 2 above is fulfilled.

5. I found my child is not my biological child. Can I request to change the child’s surname?

   No. only the legal guardian of the child can apply to change the child’s name.

6. My ex-spouse cannot be found, can I request to change the child’s surname without his consent?

   According to the Act, only a guardian is required to change the name of the child. Hence, both parties’ consent is not required.

7. My ex-spouse refused to contribute or support the child maintenance, can I request to change the child’ surname?

   As long as the requirement stated above is not met, the change of name would not be approved by the JPN.

This article is written by 

Aw Yong Lei Bin
Senior Associate, Low & Partners