Can I change my given name after reassigning gender from male to female?

I have undergone gender reassignment and now I would like to change my given name. Is it possible?

I reassigned from male to female. After reassigning, I realized that my previous given name is no longer suitable for my current gender.

Am I allowed to change my given name?

Lawyer TRAN THI HAU – Da Nang Bar Association – replied:

Clause 1, Article 28 of the Civil Code 2015 stipulates that an individual has the right to request a competent authority to recognize the change of a given name in case where the gender has been reassigned or changed.

In addition, Article 37 of the Civil Code 2015 regulates that the sex reassignment shall comply with regulations of law. Each surged transgender has the right and obligation to apply for change of civil status affairs as prescribed in law on civil status affairs and has the personal rights in conformity with the transformed gender as prescribed in this Code and relevant laws.

According to the above provisions, after gender reassignment, You have the right to change your given name and are obliged to register the change of civil status as per the provisions of the law to align with the reassigned gender.

The procedure for changing given names shall be carried out as follows:

A competent authority who considers changing surname and given names for individuals under 14 years old is the People’s Committee at the commune level of their previous places of civil status registration or their current places of residence.

Pursuant to Article and Article 47 of the Law on Civil Status 2014, the order and procedures for registering a civil status change are as follows:

Step 1: Prepare the dossier

You should prepare the declaration of civil status change and correction (according to the form); relevant documents such as birth certificates; documents proving gender reassignment; and other personal identification documents.

Step 2: Submit your application

Individuals who wish to register a name change shall submit the prepared dossier to the Commune People’s Committee (for individuals under 14 years of age) or the District People’s Committee (for individuals aged 14 years or older).

Step 3: Receive the result

Within a period of 3 working days from the date of receiving all required documents as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, if it is found that a civil status change or correction is grounded and in accordance with the provisions of civil law and relevant laws, the civil status judicial officer shall record it in the civil status book. At the same time, the civil status judicial officer will sign the civil status book together with the requester for the registration of civil status change or correction, and report to the chairperson of the commune-level People’s Committee to issue an extract to the requester.

In case of civil status change or correction related to birth certificates or marriage certificates, the justice and civil status officer shall record the change or correction content in these certificates.

In case of necessity to verify, the time limit may be prolonged for no more than 3 working days.

In case of registering for changing surname or given name not at previous places of civil status registration, the civil status registration agency shall issue written notices together with civil status extract copies to People’s Committees of previous places of civil status registration for recording in the civil status book.