Family Relationship Registration Non-Litigation Procedure

Which step are you at?

Select your current step and the content for that step will appear below.

1. 1Application for permission
2. 2Review and checks
3. 3Examination (if necessary)
4. 4Decision granting or dismissing
5. 5Report to the registration office

• Basic step
• Additional action / option
• Rejection / objection
• End of procedure

Time required

Varies by court and case, so check with the court where you filed

Cost

Stamp fee (KRW 1,000 for a name change or register correction, KRW 5,000 for a change of surname and family origin) and service fee

Procedure guide

Read from start to finish in order. Red text marks deadlines set by law.

1. 1

   A name change, a change of surname and family origin, a correction of the family relationship register (fixing an incorrect record) and a change of the place of family registration proceed between the applicant and the court, with no opposing party. Attach a basic certificate, a family relation certificate and supporting materials for your reasons to the application for permission, and file it with the family court with jurisdiction. Since there is no opposing party, the court decides mainly on these materials.

2. 2

   The court reviews the documents to see whether the reasons for the application are valid. For a name change, if necessary, it checks criminal records and credit information to confirm that the purpose is not to hide a crime or evade legal restrictions (Guidelines for Handling Name Change Permission Cases §3(1)), and for a change of surname and family origin, it may hear the opinions of the parents and of a child aged 13 or older (Family Litigation Rules §59-2(2)). How well you explain and prove (substantiate) your reasons decides the outcome, so prepare a specific statement of reasons and materials.

3. 3

   In cases where it is necessary, such as a change of surname and family origin or a name change for a minor, the court calls in the applicant and persons concerned (the child, the biological father, etc.) for an examination (hearing them directly). This is to check directly the impact on the child and the family.

4. 4

   The court notifies the applicant of a decision granting or dismissing the application. If it is dismissed, you can supplement your reasons and apply again, or file an appeal. The reasons for dismissal in the written decision show what you need to strengthen.

   Current step
5. 5

   The register actually changes only when you file a report at the city, district, town or township office within 1 month from the day you receive the certified copy of the permission decision (for a change of surname and family origin, within 1 month from the day the decision becomes final). Getting permission without filing the report does not change anything. After the report, you need to go on to change the name on your resident registration, ID and bank accounts so that all your everyday records are updated.

6. 6

   Corrections of serious matters that affect family or inheritance relationships (such as parent-child relationships) cannot be made through this procedure; they can be corrected only with a final judgment. This is because they affect the rights of other family members. So before applying, you need to check which procedure your matter falls under.

Frequently asked questions

Practical questions that come up right away in this procedure.

QWhich court do I file with?

It depends on the type of application. A name change is filed with the family court for the applicant's address. A correction of the family relationship register is filed with the family court for the place of family registration (formerly the permanent domicile).A change of surname and family origin (bon) is filed with the family court for the child's (the person concerned) address. In areas without a family court, the district court (branch court) handles it, and you can also file through Supreme Court e-litigation.

QWhich documents do I need, how many copies, and how much does it cost?

For a name change, submit 1 copy each of a basic certificate (detailed), a family relation certificate (detailed) and a resident registration abstract, plus a statement of reasons for the name change. Also attach materials supporting the reasons (documents of a family member with the same name, materials showing you were teased, etc.).The stamp fee for a name change application is KRW 1,000, and the service fee set by the court is paid separately. A change of surname and family origin additionally requires family relation and marriage relation certificates for the child, the mother and the stepfather. This is because the family relationships must be confirmed.

QHow long does it take?

The time it takes varies by court and case, so check with the court where you filed. For a change of surname and family origin, the court may hear the opinions of the parents and of a child aged 13 or older.

QWho applies for a name change or change of surname and family origin for a minor child?

The parents (persons with parental authority) apply on the child's behalf as legal representatives. If the parents are divorced, the parent designated as the person with parental authority applies. A change of surname and family origin may be requested by the father, the mother or the child when it is needed for the child's welfare.The court may hear the opinions of the parents and of a child aged 13 or older. This is because the result directly affects the child's life.

QWhat do I do if it is dismissed?

You can supplement your reasons and apply again, or file an appeal. For a name change, the key is to show with specific materials the inconvenience you suffer because of the name.So first check the reasons for the dismissal and strengthen your materials. The way to contest depends on the type of decision. A dismissal of a change of surname and family origin must be challenged by immediate appeal within 14 days from the day you receive it.A dismissal of a name change can be appealed only on the ground that it violates the law. So check the written decision as soon as you receive it.

QWhat do I do after getting permission?

The register is changed only when you file a name change report at the city, district, town or township office (community service center) for your address within 1 month from the day you receive the certified copy of the permission decision. Once the report is done, first get your resident registration card reissued.This is because you need the new ID to change, in turn, the name on your driver's license, passport, bank accounts, insurance, cards and real estate registration.