Change Your Name in Taiwan
From Household Registration Office application and National ID update to passport, NHI, labour insurance, and banking — your complete step-by-step guide to a legal name change in Taiwan, including fortune and numerology-driven changes.
Taiwan Name Change Guides
Household Registration Office (戶政事務所)
The Household Registration Office is the gateway for all legal name changes in Taiwan. All name change applications start here.
Numerology & Fortune Name Changes
Taiwan law allows name changes for fortune or numerological reasons. You may change your name up to two times for auspicious reasons. This guide explains the process.
Marriage Name Updates
Updating identity documents and records after marriage in Taiwan — both partners may choose to retain or adopt surnames under Taiwanese family law.
National ID Card (國民身分證) Update
Obtaining a replacement National ID card from the Household Registration Office after your name change is officially approved.
Passport Update — BOCA
Applying for a new Republic of China (Taiwan) passport at the Bureau of Consular Affairs (外交部領事事務局) after your ID is updated.
Banking, NHI & Labour Insurance
Updating your bank accounts, National Health Insurance (全民健保), and Labour Insurance (勞工保險) records after a legal name change.
The correct order matters
Many institutions require photo ID updated before they'll accept your name change. Follow this order to avoid blocked applications.
Household Registration Office (戶政事務所) — Name Change Application
Submit your name change application (改名申請) at your local Household Registration Office. Valid reasons include marriage, divorce, numerological/fortune reasons (up to 2 times), or correction of errors. Bring your original ID, household registration document, and supporting documentation for your chosen reason.
New National ID Card (國民身分證)
After your name change is approved, apply for a replacement National ID card at the same Household Registration Office. Bring a passport-style photo and your old ID.
Household Registration Certificate (戶籍謄本)
Obtain an updated Household Registration Certificate (戶籍謄本) as supporting proof for all subsequent updates — passport, banks, insurance, and employer.
Passport — Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA)
Apply for a new ROC passport at a BOCA office with your updated National ID and Household Registration Certificate. Bring a completed application form and biometric photos.
Driver's Licence — Motor Vehicles Office (公路監理站)
Visit your local Motor Vehicles Office (MVD / 公路監理站) with your updated National ID to have your driving licence reissued in your new name.
National Health Insurance (全民健保)
Notify the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) of your name change. Present your updated National ID at any NHI office or through your employer if enrolled via workplace insurance.
Labour Insurance (勞工保險)
Notify the Bureau of Labor Insurance (勞工保險局) of your name change. This is typically handled through your employer. Self-employed individuals should notify the bureau directly.
Banks & Financial Accounts
Visit each bank branch with your updated National ID and Household Registration Certificate to update all accounts, cards, and investment records. Major Taiwanese banks (CTBC, Fubon, ESUN, Land Bank) all require in-person updates.
Telecom — Real-Name Registration Update
Visit your mobile carrier (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone) with your updated National ID to update your account registration under the new name.
Employer & Tax Records
Inform your employer's HR department of your name change so payroll, tax withholding, and company ID records are updated. Also update your records with the National Taxation Bureau if you file independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
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NameFlow provides guidance and organisational tools and is not a legal service. For specific legal advice, please consult a qualified Taiwanese lawyer (律師).