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Changing Your Name

You can specify how you want the government to address you—for example, your own last name, your partner’s last name, or a combination of both.

What does this product or service mean?

What should you pay attention to?

Your official last name does not automatically change when you get married or enter into a registered partnership.

When you register your preferred name with the government, you decide how you want to be addressed. Your legal last name remains the same. Your choice will be used by the OLB and other (government) organizations—for example, when they send you mail. The last name you were given at birth will remain on your official documents, such as your passport or driver’s license.

For example: your name is J. de Wit and your partner’s name is P. Jansen. You can then choose from 4 names:

  • J. Jansen
  • J. de Wit
  • J. de Wit-Jansen
  • J. Jansen-de Wit

When can you apply for this?

  • You must submit the application in person at the Civil Affairs Office.

How do you apply for this?

  1. Make an appointment at the Civil Registry Office in Kralendijk.
  2. Bring your identification, such as your sédula or passport.
  3. Indicate (in writing) which name you wish to use:
    1. Only your own last name;
    2. Only your partner’s last name;
    3. A combination of your own last name and your partner’s last name.
  4. The official will record your choice in the Basic Personal Data Registry (PIVA).
  5. Your preference may also appear on new official documents, such as a passport or sédula.

Who can you contact?

Civil Affairs
Adress: Kaya Neerlandia 40
Telephone: (+599) 715 5330
Email: info@bonairegov.com

Opening hours
Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday: Closed

How long does it take?

Your selection will be processed immediately in our records.

What does it cost?

Requesting a change to your name usage is free of charge.

Do you disagree with the decision?

You can always change your preference later by contacting the Civil Registry Office again.

What do we do with your personal data?

When you submit a request or report, the Public Entity of Bonaire needs your personal data. The Public Entity of Bonaire handles your data with care.

The BES Personal Data Protection Act specifies how the Public Entity of Bonaire must do this.

The most important rules are:

  • The Public Entity of Bonaire only requests data necessary to process your request or report.
  • They record and process your data securely, confidentially, and with care.
  • Your data will only be used for the application or report, or for something directly related to it.
  • Your data will not be retained longer than necessary for the application or report.
  • Other organizations will only receive your data if required by law.
  • You may ask how your data is being used and what happens to it.
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