Ukrainian Changed Surname in Lithuania: How to Align Ukrainian Documents

Changing Your Surname in Lithuania: The First Step to Updating Documents

Deciding to change your surname in Lithuania is a significant step that requires subsequent alignment of your Ukrainian documents. This process might seem complex, but with the right approach and understanding of the procedures, it becomes entirely achievable. The main goal is to ensure that all your documents, both Ukrainian and Lithuanian, reflect your current marital status and name.

The procedure for changing a surname in Lithuania is governed by local legislation. Typically, you need to contact the relevant state authorities, providing the necessary documents that confirm the grounds for the name change. This could be due to marriage, divorce, or other personal circumstances. It is crucial to obtain an official document confirming the surname change, issued by the Lithuanian authorities. This document will be key for further steps.

Updating Your Ukrainian Passport: A Priority Task

After changing your surname in Lithuania, one of the first steps is to arrange the replacement of your Ukrainian passport documents. If your surname has changed, both the Ukrainian identity card and the Ukrainian passport for travel abroad issued under your previous surname must be replaced.

When applying for a passport replacement, you must provide the documents required under the applicable procedure, including:

• the Ukrainian passport that is being replaced;
• a document issued by a competent Lithuanian authority confirming the change of surname;
• a Ukrainian translation of this document, prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements;
• any other documents required for the passport replacement procedure;
• proof of payment of the administrative fee, where applicable.

The process of obtaining a new passport can take some time, so it is advisable to inquire about the current timelines for your specific case in advance.

You can apply to replace your passport documents at a territorial unit of the State Migration Service of Ukraine or at a Centre for the Provision of Administrative Services that provides passport services. If you are in Lithuania, you can apply for passport services at the relevant diplomatic or consular mission of Ukraine.

Once you receive your passport with your new surname, you can proceed with updating your personal information in other documents and records. Not all documents are automatically replaced after a surname change; the procedure depends on the type of document and the grounds for the change. This may include a driving licence, banking records, insurance documents, property records, and other documents or registers.

Document Translation and Certification: A Key Stage

When submitting a Lithuanian document confirming a change of surname in Ukraine, a Ukrainian translation is required. The translation may also need to be notarized. The specific requirements for the translation and its certification should be confirmed with the authority to which the document is being submitted.

At the same time, an apostille or consular legalization is not required for a Lithuanian document submitted in Ukraine, because Ukraine and Lithuania are parties to a bilateral treaty on legal assistance and legal relations in civil, family, and criminal matters. The treaty provides a simplified procedure for using official documents issued by the competent authorities of the two countries without additional certification. The specific requirements for the document in each procedure should be confirmed in advance with the relevant Ukrainian authority.

Updating Other Ukrainian Documents

After replacing your passport documents, you should update your personal details in the documents and records where this is necessary. The procedure depends on the type of document and the institution responsible for the relevant records.

• Driving licence: after a change of personal details, the driving licence must be replaced at a service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
• Bank accounts and insurance policies: after changing your surname, you should notify the relevant bank or insurance company and update your personal details in accordance with its procedure.
• Property records: a change of surname does not require property documents to be reissued. Where necessary, the owner's personal details can be updated in the relevant state register.
• Taxpayer Registration Number (RNOKPP): the taxpayer registration number does not change when your surname changes, but your personal details must be updated in the State Register of Individual Taxpayers, and you should obtain a document reflecting the updated information.

The procedure for updating personal details may vary between institutions, so it is advisable to check in advance which documents are required and how the change of surname should be confirmed.

The relevant Ukrainian legislation includes, in particular, the Procedure for Issuing, Replacing, Transferring, Withdrawing, Returning to the State, Declaring Invalid and Destroying a Ukrainian Citizen's Passport, approved by Resolution No. 302 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 25 March 2015, as well as the Rules for State Registration of Civil Status Acts in Ukraine, approved by Order No. 52/5 of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine dated 18 October 2000.

Important Nuances and Tips

The process of aligning Ukrainian documents can take time and require patience. Here are a few tips that might help you:

• Consult Specialists: If you are unsure about your actions, consult lawyers or companies specializing in migration issues and document translation.
• Keep All Documents: Retain originals and copies of all documents related to the surname change, including the Lithuanian certificate, its translation, apostille (if any), and all Ukrainian documents you are updating.
• Plan Ahead: Start the document update process as early as possible, especially if you need documents for important matters (e.g., employment, visa application, property purchase).
• Check Current Information: Legislation and procedures can change. Always check the latest information on the official websites of the state authorities of Ukraine and Lithuania.

Remember that proper document processing is the key to your peace of mind and your ability to fully exercise your rights as a citizen of Ukraine, whether in Ukraine or abroad.