Brazil administrative name change implementation

Following the implementation of Federal Law 14.382/22 in July 2022, thousands of Brazilians have utilized a simplified process to change their first names and surnames through civil registries without requiring judicial authorization. This administrative procedure allows adults over 18 to request modifications by presenting personal documentation and paying required fees.

Data from the National Association of Natural Person Registrars (Arpen-Brasil) shows significant activity across various regions. Nationally, the Southeast region has seen 14,500 changes, while the Northeast has recorded 12,600.

On a state level, São Paulo leads the country with 9,149 recorded changes. Minas Gerais ranks second nationally with 4,375 instances, followed by Bahia with 3,676. While the law aims to de-bureaucratize identity management, the process involves specific costs, such as service fees in Minas Gerais starting at R$ 639.88, though legal provisions for free services may apply in certain circumstances. The ability to change a first name without specific justification via extrajudicial means is limited to a single occurrence; any subsequent changes require a court decision.