New resolution allows name changes for transgender individuals

In Uzbekistan, a change of gender is now recognized as a legal basis for changing one’s first name, surname, and patronymic. This provision is included in the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution titled “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Resolutions of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as on Deeming Some of Them to Have Lost Their Force,” adopted on June 12.

According to the resolution, citizens who have undergone gender transition may now apply for a change of their name, surname, and patronymic. To do so, they must present a medical certificate confirming gender reassignment, issued by an authorized healthcare institution.

Under the updated rules, changes to name, surname, and patronymic (FIO) are now allowed in the following cases:

•  Following Article 15 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the State Language”;
• Based on a court decision;
•  If the name or surname is considered unpleasant or inappropriate;
•  If the name or surname does not reflect the individual's nationality;
• At personal request — for example, to revert to a premarital surname during marriage or after divorce;
• When family members wish to adopt a shared surname (if not done at the time of marriage), children choose to adopt the surname of their father, mother, mother’s maiden name, or stepfather/guardian.
• When paternity is established for a person over the age of 16;
•  In cases of gender change.