Change of Name in Mauritius: What You Need to Know?

Change of Name in Mauritius: What You Need to Know?

For many people, a name is more than just a label. It carries family history, cultural significance, and personal identity. For some, however, particularly transgender people, the name on their official documents may no longer reflect who they are, how they live, or how they wish to be recognised.

Whether you wish to change your first name, surname, or both, Mauritius provides a legal process for changing your name. This process is available to anyone who meets the legal requirements, including transgender people seeking a name that better aligns with their gender identity.

This guide explains how the change of name process in Mauritius works, who can apply, the steps involved, the role of the police enquiry, and what to keep in mind before starting.

Who can apply for a change of name?

A Mauritian citizen may apply for a change of name. The application may concern:

• a first name;
• a surname;
• or both.

There is also a separate procedure for minors, where the application is made by the responsible party or parties on behalf of the child.

Why might someone want to change their name?

People may seek a change of name for many different reasons. For example:

• they no longer identify with the name currently on their documents;
• they want a name that better reflects their identity;
• they want to change a surname following family circumstances;
• they have been using another name in daily life and want their legal documents to match;
• they want to simplify or change a name that has caused practical difficulties; or
• they want to distance themselves from a name associated with painful or difficult personal circumstances.

The Attorney-General’s Office requires applicants to provide “good and sufficient grounds” in support of the application. In other words, you will need to explain clearly why you are requesting the change.

What is the legal process for changing your name in Mauritius?

A change of name in Mauritius is not automatic. It involves a formal application to the Attorney-General’s Office, a publication process, and a review before the change can be authorised.

1) Complete the application form

The first step is to fill in the Change of Name application form provided by the Attorney-General’s Office. There is:

• one form for adults; and
• a separate form for minors.

The adult form generally asks for:

• your current surname and name(s);
• maiden name, if applicable;
• date of birth;
• sex;
• marital status;
• address and contact details;
• National Identity Card number;
• the name and/or surname you wish to adopt; and
• the reasons for the requested change.

For minors, the form is completed by the responsible party or parties and includes details of the parent(s) or guardian(s).

2) Submit the application to the Attorney-General’s Office

The completed form must be lodged with the Change of Name Section of the Attorney-General’s Office, together with the required processing fee.

The Attorney-General’s Office states that the application must be filed with a processing fee of Rs 1,000. The current guidance on the AGO website says applications are lodged with the Change of Name Section at the Attorney-General’s Office in Port Louis.

3) Receive instructions from the Attorney-General’s Office

After the application is submitted, the Attorney-General’s Office will send the applicant a letter explaining the next step. This letter informs the applicant that notice of the application must be published:

• in the Government Gazette; and
• in 2 daily newspapers, with at least one approved by the Attorney-General.

4) Publication of the notice

The notice of application must be published 3 times in the Gazette and 3 times in each of the 2 newspapers, at the applicant’s expense.

This publication step is important because it gives any interested person the opportunity to object to the proposed change.

5) Police enquiry and possible statement

Once the application has been filed, it is reviewed by the Attorney-General’s Office. At this stage, the application may be forwarded to the police so that an enquiry can be carried out into the reasons put forward by the applicant. In practice, applicants may be contacted by the police and asked to provide a statement or further information as part of that enquiry.

The Attorney-General’s Office customer charter also states that the police is immediately requested to enquire, which means applicants should be prepared for a police follow-up after submitting the application.

6) Objection period

After the final publication of the notice, there is a 28-day statutory period during which any interested person may object to the application by filing an objection in writing with the Attorney-General’s Office. The objection must state the grounds of objection.

If an objection is received, the Attorney-General will consider whether the objection is valid.

7) Review of the application and decision

The application is assigned to a designated law officer who enquires into its merits. The Attorney-General may authorise the change if:

• no objection is received within the 28-day period, or any objection received is rejected; and
• The Attorney-General is satisfied that there are good and sufficient grounds for the change.

If the application is approved, the applicant is issued with a Change of Name Certificate signed by the Attorney-General. A notice of the authorised change is then published in the Gazette.

Is there a separate process for minors?

Yes. There is a specific application form for the change of name of a minor. The application must be made by the responsible party or parties on behalf of the child. The form requires the responsible parties to explain the reasons for the requested change and confirm the relevant identity details of the child and the applicants.

If the application concerns a child, it is best to confirm the latest practical requirements directly with the Attorney-General’s Office, especially where there are questions around parental responsibility, guardianship, or disagreement between parents.

How long does the process take?

There is no single fixed timeline for a change of name application in Mauritius. The overall duration may depend on:

• how quickly the application is processed by the Attorney-General’s Office;
• how long it takes for the publication notices to be completed;
• the time needed for the police enquiry, if one is carried out;
• whether any objection is filed; and
• whether the Attorney-General’s Office requests further clarification or information.

Because the process includes publication requirements and a statutory objection period, applicants should expect it to take some time rather than being completed immediately.

What costs should applicants expect?

Applicants should be prepared for:

• the Rs 1,000 processing fee payable to the Attorney-General’s Office; and
• the costs of publication in the Government Gazette and the required newspapers.

Additional costs may arise later when updating identity documents and records.

Important things to keep in mind before applying

1) A change of name is a formal legal process

This is not simply an administrative correction. It is a formal application that requires approval from the Attorney-General.

2) You need to provide reasons

Applicants must explain the reasons for the requested change and show that there are good and sufficient grounds for it.

3) The process is public

Because the application must be published in the Gazette and newspapers, the process is not private. Anyone considering a change of name should be aware that the request goes through a public notice stage.

4) There may be a police enquiry

Applicants should be aware that, after filing, the application may be referred to the police for an enquiry and they may be asked to provide a statement or further information.

5) Approval is not automatic

Submitting an application does not guarantee that the request will be granted. The Attorney-General must be satisfied that the application is justified and that the legal requirements have been met.

6) You may need to update many records afterwards

Even after the change is approved, you will still need to update your various documents and records separately.

Where can you apply?

Applications are handled by the Attorney-General’s Office in Mauritius.

Attorney-General’s Office
Renganaden Seeneevassen Building
Maillard Street, Port Louis
Mauritius
Tel: 203 4740
Email: sgo@govmu.org

The application form for change of name can be downloaded from the Attorney-General’s Office website: Application Form for Change of Name 

A note on identity, dignity and access to information

For many people; including trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people – a legal name change can be deeply significant. It can be part of aligning official documents with a person’s identity, reducing distress, and making everyday interactions safer and more affirming. At the same time, the current process in Mauritius can be lengthy, formal, and public, which may create additional barriers for those seeking recognition.

Access to clear legal information matters. Knowing the steps involved can help people make informed decisions, prepare for the process, and understand where they may need support.

Final reminder

This article is intended as general information only and should not be taken as legal advice. Procedures, fees, office arrangements, and administrative practices can change. Before starting a change of name application, it is always best to confirm the most up-to-date requirements directly with the Attorney-General’s Office.

If you need guidance on the name change process, understanding the required documents, or assistance with drafting your reasons for changing your name as a transgender person, you can reach out to Young Queer Alliance for support. We are here to provide information and guidance throughout the process.

Yan Bucktowar
Communication Volunteer YQA