Changing a minor child’s first name on the birth certificate in the Philippines is governed primarily by Republic Act No. 9048 (as amended by Republic Act No. 10172), which authorizes the administrative correction of clerical or typographical errors and the change of first name or nickname without the need for a court order. This law was enacted to provide a simpler, faster, and less expensive alternative to the previous judicial process under Rule 103 or Rule 108 of the Rules of Court.

For minor children (below 18 years old), the procedure is routinely used by parents who wish to correct a misspelled name, replace a name that has become a source of embarrassment, align the registered name with the name the child has actually been using since birth, or simply because the parents later regretted their original choice.

Administrative Change (RA 9048) vs. Judicial Change

Aspect	RA 9048 Administrative Process	Judicial Process (Rule 103/Rule 108)
Venue	City/Municipal Civil Registrar (or Consul if abroad)	Regional Trial Court
Publication	Only 10-day posting in the LCR bulletin board	Newspaper publication once a week for 3 weeks
Cost	₱1,000–₱3,000 (depending on locality)	₱50,000–₱150,000+ (lawyer, publication, etc.)
Processing time	30–90 days (if no opposition)	8 months–2 years
Can be used for first name change	YES (primary remedy)	Only if RA 9048 is not applicable or was denied

The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled (A.M. No. 02-11-10-SC and related cases) that RA 9048 is the exclusive remedy for change of first name and correction of clerical errors. Resort to court is allowed only when the administrative remedy is unavailing or has been denied with finality.

Two Separate Tracks Under RA 9048

Correction of Clerical or Typographical Error
Used when the error is obvious and harmless (e.g., “Jhon” instead of “John”, “Ma.” instead of “Maria”, missing accent, transposed letters).
No need to prove any of the four grounds below.
Filing fee usually ₱1,000.
Change of First Name (Section 4 of RA 9048)
Used when the desired name is substantially different (e.g., “Princess” to “Maria”, “Baby Boy” to “Juan Miguel”, “Adolf” to “Jose”).
Must fall under at least one of the four legal grounds.
Filing fee usually ₱3,000.

Valid Grounds for Change of First Name (Section 4, RA 9048)

The petitioner must prove at least one of the following:

The first name is ridiculous, tainted with dishonor, or extremely difficult to write or pronounce
(Common examples: “Bongbong”, “Hitler”, “Covid”, “Google”, “Facebook”, “Scorpion King”, “Queen Elizabeth”, names that are clearly jokes or cause daily ridicule.)
The child has habitually and continuously used another first name and is publicly known in the community by that name
(The strongest ground for most parents. If the child has been called “Miguel” since baptism even though registered as “Michael Angelo”, this ground applies.)
The change will avoid confusion
(Example: two siblings accidentally swapped names at registration.)
The change is based on a sincere desire to adopt a more appropriate Filipino name or other substantial reason (this is rarely used alone; usually combined with grounds 1 or 2).

Who May File the Petition for a Minor Child

Either parent (even if separated, as long as not deprived of parental authority)
Legal guardian (with court-appointed guardianship papers)
The child himself/herself if already 18 at the time of filing (but this article concerns minors)

If the child is illegitimate, only the mother needs to sign. If legitimate, both parents should ideally sign, though in practice many LCRs accept the petition signed by one parent provided the other parent does not object.

Where to File

City or Municipal Civil Registrar of the place where the birth was registered (not where you live now).
If the birth is registered at the Philippine Consulate abroad, file there.
Filipinos abroad may file a migrant petition at the nearest Philippine Consulate/Embassy, which will be transmitted to the LCR in the Philippines.

Complete List of Documentary Requirements (2024–2025 Standard)

A. Common requirements for both tracks

Accomplished Petition Form (available at LCR or downloadable from PSA website)
Original + photocopy of PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate (formerly NSO)
Valid IDs of petitioner (parent/guardian)
Earliest school record (Form 137 or diploma)
Baptismal certificate (with annotation if name already corrected in church records)
Medical record or clinic record at birth (if available)
Barangay certificate that the child is known by the desired name (very useful)

B. Additional for Change of First Name (to prove ground)

At least two (2) public or private documents showing the child has been using the new name (e.g., school ID, report card, immunization card, passport, PhilHealth, etc.)
Affidavit of the petitioner explaining the ground and circumstances
If ground is ridicule/dishonor: affidavits of two disinterested persons (teachers, barangay officials) confirming the child is teased because of the name
NBI Clearance of the petitioner (some LCRs require it)
Police clearance (some LCRs require it)
Employer clearance (if petitioner is employed; some LCRs require it)

C. If the child is 7 years old or above
Many LCRs now require the child to appear personally and express assent to the name change (this is not in the law but is increasingly practiced).

Step-by-Step Procedure (RA 9048)

Gather all documents listed above.
Go to the Local Civil Registrar where the birth is registered.
Submit petition and pay the filing fee (₱3,000 for change of first name; ₱1,000 for clerical correction).
The LCR will post the entire petition (including the old and new name) on the bulletin board for 10 consecutive working days.
During the posting period, any person with legal interest may file written opposition.
If no opposition, the Civil Registrar evaluates the documents and either approves or denies.
If approved, the LCR issues a Certificate of Finality and annotates the birth certificate.
The annotated record is forwarded to the PSA within 30 days.
After 1–3 months, you can order the new PSA birth certificate showing the corrected/changed first name with the annotation “Changed from ___ to ___ per RA 9048”.

Current Fees (as of 2025; subject to local ordinance)

Change of first name: ₱3,000 (most cities/municipalities)
Clerical error correction: ₱1,000
Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Taguig: ₱3,000–₱5,000 (higher because of local tax)
Additional ₱500–₱1,000 for migrant petition abroad

Important Limitations and Warnings

One-time privilege only – A person may avail of change of first name under RA 9048 only once in a lifetime (Supreme Court ruling in several cases). Choose the name very carefully.
The change does not automatically update school records, passport, or bank accounts. You must present the annotated PSA birth certificate and have each agency update their records.
If the child already has a passport, the DFA will require the annotated birth certificate before issuing a new passport under the new name.
The old name remains visible in the “Remarks/Annotations” portion of the new birth certificate. It is not completely erased.
If the Civil Registrar denies the petition (common reasons: insufficient proof of habitual use, name still considered acceptable), you may:
- File a motion for reconsideration, or
- Appeal to the Office of the Civil Registrar General (PSACRSI Bldg., East Ave., Quezon City) within 30 days, or
- File a judicial petition under Rule 108 (substantial correction) in the Regional Trial Court where the birth is registered.

When RA 9048 Will Almost Certainly Be Denied

Parents simply “changed their mind” without any supporting documents showing habitual use or ridicule
Desired name is a famous brand, celebrity name without relation, or clearly frivolous
Child is already 17 and the parents have no proof the child has ever been called by the new name
Missing posting period or opposition was filed and sustained

Common Successful Scenarios for Children

Child registered as “Baby Girl” or no first name → changed to actual name used (treated as clerical or habitual use).
Child baptized and called “Luis Miguel” but registered as “Luis” only → add “Miguel” (habitual use).
Child given an embarrassing name (“Tsuper”, “Covid Bryant”, “Queen Elizabeth”) → ground of ridicule.
Child has been using mother’s maiden name as first name because father abandoned them → change to proper name.
Illegitimate child later acknowledged via AUSF (RA 9255) wants to adjust first name to match new family naming convention.

Judicial Alternative (Only When RA 9048 Is Not Available)

If the LCR or OCRG finally denies the administrative petition, file a Petition for Correction of Entry under Rule 108 (if clerical/substantial) or Petition for Change of Name under Rule 103 at the Regional Trial Court of the place of birth registration. This requires newspaper publication (₱15,000–₱30,000), solicitor’s certificate, and trial. Success rate is high if RA 9048 grounds are clearly present, but the process is long and expensive.

Conclusion

Changing a minor child’s first name in the Philippines is now relatively straightforward under RA 9048, provided the parents prepare strong documentary evidence of habitual use or ridicule. The entire process can be completed in 2–4 months for ₱3,000–₱5,000 in most cases — a vast improvement from the old judicial system.

Parents are strongly advised to choose the child’s name carefully at birth, because the law allows only one administrative change of first name in a person’s lifetime. Once done, the annotation remains forever on the PSA record.