Adding a surname to a child from 1 January 2026 — a practical guide
From 1 January 2026, a parent has the option to add their surname to a child as a second surname — without the other parent's consent and without a court decision. This option is available to unmarried parents who personally care for the child and whose surname the child does not bear. The change was introduced by Act No. 320/2025 Coll., amending the Names and Surnames Act (new § 6(5)).
What does it mean in practice?
The child retains their original surname (for example, the father's) and your surname is added after it. For instance, if a child's surname is Novák after the father and the mother's surname is Horváthová, the child will bear the surname Novák Horváth (masculine form) or Nováková Horváthová (feminine form). This is not a replacement of the original surname but an addition.
Who can apply for the surname addition?
The application can be filed by a parent who personally cares for the child and whose surname the child does not bear. The condition is that the child's parents are not married and the other parent either did not consent to the surname change or their consent could not be obtained. This option can only be used once.
Where to file the application?
The application is filed at the district office (department of general internal administration) with jurisdiction based on the permanent residence of the legal guardian filing the application. The application form is available directly at the district office.
From practice:We recommend filing the application in person. At the district office, the clerk will make a copy of your ID card and the child's identity document (ID card or passport) and confirm the copy matches the original — only then will you submit the application at the district office registry.
What documents are required?
List of documents required by the district office when filing an application for surname addition.
What is the fee?
The administrative fee for adding a surname to a minor child is €50. For electronic filing, the fee is reduced to €25.
The fee is paid via an eKolok stamp, which can be purchased at an eKolok kiosk directly at the district office or at a Slovak Post branch.
eKolok — service code 661:Office type / action → Citizenship and registry → Registry agenda → Change → Change of minor children's surname
How will the office proceed?
Review of statutory conditions
After receiving the application, the district office will review whether the statutory conditions are met — i.e. whether you personally care for the child, whether you are not married to the other parent, and whether the other parent did not consent or their consent could not be obtained.
Assessment of the child's interest
The office will also assess whether the surname addition is not contrary to the child's interest (§ 8(1) of the Act). Replacement of the other parent's consent by a court is not required in this case.
Notification to the other parent
In practice, you should expect the district office to serve a notification on the other parent about the filing and allow them to comment. Delivery and response deadlines apply, so the entire process typically takes several weeks.
Issuance of the decision
Once the statutory conditions are met, the district office will issue a decision permitting the child to change their current surname to a double surname (the original surname supplemented by the applying parent’s surname). At the same time, the office will arrange for the permitted surname change to be recorded in the relevant birth register at the registry office. The decision is served on both parents and becomes final after the 15-day appeal period expires, provided the other parent does not appeal.
Entry in the registry
After the decision becomes final, the registry office will record the surname change and issue a new birth certificate for the child.
Estimated timeline based on our experience at the Bratislava District Office
From practice:Even when the other parent filed a disagreement, the district office granted the application. Under § 6(5) of the Names and Surnames Act, the other parent's consent is not required for adding a surname — the office only examines whether the statutory conditions are met.
What if the office rejects the application?
You can appeal the district office's decision. The appeal is filed at the same district office that issued the decision, and the superior authority will decide on it.
Important notice
This procedure only serves to add a surname, not to completely replace the child's original surname with another one. If you want the child to stop using the other parent's surname entirely, you must file a motion with the court to replace the parent's consent, followed by an application to the district office — this is a more complex and time-consuming process.
Need help with adding a surname or another change?
Our firm handles family law matters including issues related to children's names and surnames, personal custody and parental rights. We will be happy to advise you on the most suitable procedure for your situation. The first 15 minutes of consultation are without obligation.
Book a consultationAct No. 320/2025 Coll. amending Act No. 300/1993 Coll. on Names and Surnames, as amended. Effective from 1 January 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice for a specific situation. If you are dealing with a specific matter, we will be happy to assist you in person.