How do I legally change my name in Zimbabwe?

To change your name in Zimbabwe, you need a Notarial Deed of Change of Name executed by a Notary Public, published in the Government Gazette, and then registered with the Registrar-General. After that, you update your national ID, passport, and other documents.

How much does a name change cost in Zimbabwe?

A name change typically costs $100 to $300 in total: $50-$150 for the Notary Public to prepare and execute the Notarial Deed, $30-$50 for Gazette publication, and $10-$20 for registration. Additional costs apply for updating your ID and passport.

How long does a name change take?

The process takes approximately 4 to 8 weeks: 1-2 weeks for the Notarial Deed, 2-4 weeks for Gazette publication, and 1-2 weeks for registration. Updating your ID and passport is additional time.

Can I change my name after marriage without a Notarial Deed?

If you are changing your surname to your spouse's surname after marriage, you do not need a Notarial Deed. You can update your ID and passport directly by presenting your marriage certificate at the Registrar-General's office.

Name Change Zimbabwe — Notarial Deed, Process & Costs

How to Change Your Name in Zimbabwe

A legal name change in Zimbabwe is effected through a Notarial Deed of Change of Name, prepared and executed by a Notary Public. The change must be published in the Government Gazette and registered with the Registrar-General. This process applies to changes of first name, surname, or both.

Exception — Marriage: If you are changing your surname to your spouse's surname after a civil marriage, you do NOT need a Notarial Deed. Simply present your marriage certificate at the Registrar-General's Office to update your ID and passport.

Reasons for a Name Change

Personal preference — You want a different name
Divorce — Reverting to maiden name after divorce
Correction — Fixing a misspelt or incorrectly recorded name
Cultural/religious — Adopting a cultural or religious name
Gender transition — Changing to a name that matches gender identity
Adoption — Child taking the adoptive parents' surname

The Name Change Process

Step 1: Consult a Notary Public

Visit a Notary Public (a legal practitioner with a notarial commission) to prepare the Notarial Deed of Change of Name. You will need:

Your current national ID or passport
Your birth certificate
The name you wish to change to
Reason for the change (for the deed)
An affidavit supporting the change (if required)

Step 2: Execute the Notarial Deed

The Notary Public prepares the deed, which you sign in the Notary's presence. The deed is then registered in the Notary's protocol (official record book). The Notary charges $50–$150 for this service.

Step 3: Publish in the Government Gazette

The name change must be published in the Zimbabwe Government Gazette. The Notary Public typically handles this on your behalf. Publication costs $30–$50 and takes 2–4 weeks.

Step 4: Register With the Registrar-General

After Gazette publication, file the Notarial Deed with the Registrar-General to update the civil registry. This links your old name to your new name in the national records.

Step 5: Update Your Documents

Once registered, update all your official documents:

Document	Where to Update	What You Need
National ID	Registrar-General's Office	Notarial Deed, old ID, birth certificate
Passport	Passport Office	New ID, Notarial Deed
Birth Certificate	Registrar-General's Office	Notarial Deed (annotation added)
Bank Accounts	Your bank	New ID, Notarial Deed
ZIMRA (Tax)	ZIMRA office	New ID, Notarial Deed
NSSA	NSSA office	New ID, Notarial Deed
Professional Registrations	Relevant professional body	New ID, Notarial Deed

Name Change From Abroad

If you are in the diaspora:

You can execute the Notarial Deed before a Notary Public in your country of residence
The deed must be apostilled or authenticated for use in Zimbabwe
Appoint an agent with a Power of Attorney to handle Gazette publication and registration

Costs

Service	Cost (USD)
Notarial Deed preparation	$50–$150
Government Gazette publication	$30–$50
Registrar-General registration	$10–$20
New national ID	$5–$15
New passport	$120–$320 (depending on type)
Total (minimum)	$100–$300+

Changing a Child's Name

To change a minor child's name:

Both parents must consent (or sole guardian if one parent is deceased/absent)
The Notary Public prepares the deed on behalf of the child
A parent or guardian signs
Same Gazette publication and registration process applies

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I legally change my name?

Through a Notarial Deed of Change of Name by a Notary Public, published in the Government Gazette, then registered with the Registrar-General.

How much does it cost?

$100–$300 total: Notary $50–$150, Gazette $30–$50, registration $10–$20. Plus costs for updating ID and passport.

How long does it take?

4–8 weeks: 1–2 weeks for the Notarial Deed, 2–4 weeks for Gazette publication, 1–2 weeks for registration.

Do I need a deed after marriage?

No. To take your spouse's surname after marriage, just present your marriage certificate at the Registrar-General's Office to update your ID.

Name Change Zimbabwe