# Changing your name in Norway: application, rules and new documents

You can change your name free of charge through the Norwegian Tax Administration. Learn the rules for first, middle and last names, processing times and which documents to update.

Canonical: https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/navneendring-bytte-navn-norge
Language: en
Publisher: SamfunnPrep
Author: Hlib Suslov
Published: 2026-07-16T23:21:08.941+00:00
Modified: 2026-10-16T19:14:13.260153+00:00
AI use policy: https://samfunnprep.no/ai-policy.txt

## Key takeaways

- The application is free You report the name change to Skatteetaten and receive confirmation in Altinn.
- Check the last name first A last name used by 200 people or fewer is protected and requires consent or an accepted connection.
- Update documents yourself After the change, check your passport, ID card, residence card, driving licence, bank and other agreements.

You can change your first name, middle name or last name through the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). The application is free. You can apply online, and you receive the answer in Altinn. A case approved automatically is registered at once. Manual processing can take up to six weeks.

Before applying, check that the name follows the rules. Afterwards, you must arrange new documents yourself, such as a passport, national ID card, residence card and driving licence.

## How to change your name

The easiest option is Skatteetaten's online service called “Endre navn”.

1. Log in through ID-porten.
2. Choose whether you want to change your first, middle or last name.
3. Write the name exactly as you want it registered.
4. Attach documents if Skatteetaten asks for them.
5. Submit the form and follow the case on the logged-in page.

You can also use a paper form. This may be useful if you cannot log in online. Skatteetaten gives the postal address on its official name-change page.

The public service is free. Private websites may charge for help, but they cannot approve your name.

## First names, middle names and last names

In the National Population Register, a name is divided into different types.

- A **first name** is the name or names people normally call you.
- A **middle name** comes between the first name and the last name. It is not an extra first name.
- A **last name** is the name at the end.

A name that can be used as a last name can also be used as a middle name.

If you want two last names, they normally need a hyphen, for example Hansen-Olsen. You must then use the full last name. Without a hyphen, the first part is registered as a middle name and the last part as a last name.

Skatteetaten may reject a name that breaks the Names Act. A name may, for example, be refused if it could cause a serious disadvantage to you or somebody else. Do not plan new documents before the name has been approved.

## Free and protected last names

Last names are divided into two groups.

| Type | Main rule |
|---|---|
| Free last name | More than 200 people in Norway have the name. You can normally choose it. |
| Protected last name | 200 people or fewer have the name. You normally need consent or an accepted connection. |

Skatteetaten's page links to Statistics Norway's name search. There you can check how many people use a last name.

For a protected last name, the main rule is that everyone who already has the name must agree. You may still have a right to the name without this consent. This may apply because of family ties, marriage, adoption or a cohabiting relationship that meets the conditions. It may also apply to a name you used before.

The rules contain more details. Submit the correct documents and let Skatteetaten assess your connection.

## How often can you change your name?

If you are over 16, the main rule is that you cannot take, change or remove a first or last name more than once every ten years.

There are exceptions. You may, among other things, be allowed to:

- take your spouse's last name
- take your cohabiting partner's name when the conditions are met
- return to a last name you had before
- return to a previous first name
- take the name of a stepparent, foster parent or adoptive parent
- change your name when there are special reasons

Skatteetaten decides whether an exception applies in your case.

## Changing a child's name

For a child under 16, the person or people with parental responsibility submit the name change. If more than one person has parental responsibility, they must follow the consent rules.

A child over 12 must also agree to the change. Children can become digital users from the year they turn 13. A paper form can be used when the online service is not suitable.

A young person who has turned 16 can normally apply to change their own name.

## How long does it take?

Skatteetaten lists two possible routes:

- Automatic processing: the name is registered immediately.
- Manual processing: up to six weeks.

You can log in and check the status. When the name has been registered, you receive confirmation in Altinn.

If your application is rejected, you can appeal. Send the appeal in writing through Skatteetaten. The County Governor in your county is the appeal body.

## If you changed your name abroad

If you have already changed your name in another country, you will normally use a paper form and document the change.

If you are a Norwegian citizen living abroad, Skatteetaten asks for documents from the authorities in the country where you live. If you are a foreign citizen living in Norway, Skatteetaten asks for documents from the authorities in your country of citizenship.

Document requirements can vary. Read the official instructions before sending originals or copies.

## What you must update afterwards

The National Population Register shares your name with many public bodies. However, not every card, agreement or account is corrected automatically.

Use this checklist:

- **Passport and national ID card:** Order a new document from the police if you need one with the new name. The name on the travel document must match the name on the ticket. See the [guide to passports and ID cards](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/pass-og-id-kort-norge).
- **Residence card:** If you have a Norwegian residence card, the information on it must be correct. UDI charges a fee for a new card after a name change. Read [how to order a new residence card](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/oppholdskort-norge).
- **Driving licence:** After a name change, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office to order a new licence. Bring valid identification and book an appointment.
- **Bank and employer:** Check the name on your account, payroll system, insurance and employment contract.
- **School, health services and subscriptions:** Check services that do not receive information directly from the National Population Register.

If you are travelling soon, think about the order. Wait for confirmation from Skatteetaten, then order the document you will use for the trip. Do not book a ticket in a name that does not match your travel document.

## Make the process easier

Keep the confirmation from Altinn. Make a list of the documents and services you use. Tick off each place after it has registered the new name.

SamfunnPrep explains public services in Norway in short steps and simple language. You can also read the guide to [the National Population Register and moving notification](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/folkeregistrering-og-flyttemelding-norge).

Would you like to learn more words and rules you meet in everyday life? [Try SamfunnPrep for free](https://samfunnprep.no/register).

## FAQ

### How much does it cost to change your name in Norway?

Submitting a name change to Skatteetaten is free. You may have costs afterwards if you need a new passport, ID card, residence card or driving licence.

### How long does a name change take?

An application approved automatically is registered at once. Skatteetaten states up to six weeks for manual processing. You can check the status after logging in.

### Can I take a protected last name?

A last name used by 200 people or fewer is protected. You normally need consent from everyone with the name or a connection accepted by the Names Act, such as family ties or marriage.

### Can I change my child's name?

For a child under 16, the person or people with parental responsibility submit the change. A child over 12 must also consent. From age 16, a young person can normally apply themselves.

### Do I need a new passport after changing my name?

Your travel document should show the same name as your booking. Wait until the name is registered, then order a new passport or ID card from the police when you need it.

### How often can I change my name?

If you are over 16, the main rule is one change every ten years. Exceptions include a spouse's name, a previous name and special reasons.

## Sources

- [Endre navn](https://www.skatteetaten.no/person/folkeregister/endre/navn/)
- [Saksbehandlingstider](https://www.skatteetaten.no/kontakt/saksbehandlingstider/)
- [Lov om personnavn (navneloven)](https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/2002-06-07-19)
- [Bestill førerkort](https://www.vegvesen.no/forerkort/har-forerkort/bestill-forerkort)
- [Bestille, endre eller avbestille time til pass og ID-kort](https://www.politiet.no/tjenester/pass-og-id-kort/bestille-endre-eller-avbestille-time-til-pass-og-id-kort)
- [Gebyr](https://www.udi.no/ord-og-begreper/gebyr/)

Citation: Hlib Suslov, "Changing your name in Norway: application, rules and new documents", SamfunnPrep, 2026-07-16T23:21:08.941+00:00, https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/navneendring-bytte-navn-norge