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Choosing a last name

Parents can decide together which last name their first child will receive. You must submit the chosen last name to the Public Entity of Bonaire.

What does this product or service mean?

You can choose whether your first child will take the mother’s, father’s, or co-mother’s last name. You can also give your first child two last names—one from each parent. The order does not matter. Each subsequent child from the same relationship will receive the same last name or last names as the first child.

Are you adopting a child? In that case, the child may keep their own last name or receive one or two last names from the adoptive parents. Alternatively, you can combine the child’s own last name with the last name of one of the adoptive parents.

If you do not submit your choice, your child will automatically be assigned a last name. The last name your child automatically receives depends on your family situation. 

When can you apply for this?

You must notify the Public Entity of Bonaire of your choice no later than when you register the birth.

If the child has not been acknowledged and you were not married or in a registered partnership at the time of birth, the child will receive the mother’s last name. You can change your children’s last name to that of the other parent. This is possible if the other parent subsequently acknowledges the child. The conditions for this are:

  • Is the child younger than 12 years old? Then the mother must give consent for the name change.
  • Is the child between 12 and 16 years old? Then both the mother and the child must give consent for the name change.
  • Is the child 16 or older? Then the child must give consent for the name change.

How do you apply for this?

Your child will automatically be given a last name. If you agree with this last name, you do not need to take any action. Would you like a different last name for your child?

Here’s how to choose a different last name for your first child:

  • You and your partner must visit the Civil Affairs Department in person.
  • Both of you must bring valid identification.
  • You must choose the last name no later than when you register the birth.

     

Which laws and rules apply?

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