Align your name in Guatemala with the name you use abroad
Born in the United States and registered with one surname, but with two in Guatemala? A misspelled or inconsistent name? We handle the legal name change through to registration with RENAP, even if you live abroad.
At a glance
- Registered with
- RENAP, Guatemala's civil registry
- Stages
- Application, publications, resolution and registration
- From abroad
- Yes, by power of attorney
- Fees
- Free quote by WhatsApp
Key facts
- Service
- Legal name change and its registration in Guatemala
- Common case
- Guatemalans born in the US registered with one surname abroad and two in Guatemala
- Stages
- Application, legal publications, final resolution, publication in the Diario de Centroamérica and RENAP registration
- Time
- From 95 business days once all documents are signed and in our possession
- From abroad
- Yes, through a power of attorney
- Contact
- WhatsApp +502 2261-7501
Why your name may not match between countries
In Guatemala, people carry both surnames: the father's and the mother's. In the United States, many children of Guatemalans are registered with only one. Years later, when they need a DPI, a passport, an inheritance or a property transfer in Guatemala, the mismatch between documents becomes a real obstacle. The solution depends on the specific case: often a legal name change, sometimes another registry procedure. We review your documents and tell you which applies.
Situations we resolve
Your surnames don't match
One surname in your US records, two in your Guatemalan records.
Your name is misspelled
Typos, missing accents or inconsistencies between your birth certificate and your DPI.
Different names in different documents
Your name differs between your DPI, passport, diplomas or other records.
You want a different name
Guatemalan law allows you to request a change of name.
You live abroad
You need to do it without traveling to Guatemala.
The process, step by step
From 95 business days, counted from when all the documents are signed and in our possession.
Application
With your ID and the exact name you want, we file the application.
StartLegal publications
The application is published, as the law requires.
Publication periodFinal resolution
If there are no oppositions that prevent it, the final resolution is issued.
After publicationsGazette and RENAP
The decision is published in the Diario de Centroamérica and the change is registered with RENAP.
Final stepWhat you need
- A power of attorney before a Guatemalan notary near you, or before a local notary with an apostille.
- Send us the original; we review a scan first.
- We handle everything else in Guatemala.
- Your valid DPI.
- The exact name you want to adopt.
- You sign the application at our office in Zona 10.
Free quote by WhatsApp
Every name change has its own particulars. Write to us and we will send you a clear quote before starting.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my name have two surnames in Guatemala and one in the US?
In Guatemala people are registered with both surnames, the father's and the mother's. In the United States and other countries it is common to register only one. When that person later deals with Guatemalan records, the difference causes problems.
Can a name change fix the mismatch?
It depends on the specific case. Often the legal name change is the route to adjust your name in Guatemala and register it with RENAP; in other cases a different registry procedure applies. We review your documents first to confirm which one.
How long does the process take?
From 95 business days, counted from when all the documents are signed and in our possession. It is an estimate: oppositions, publication times and RENAP's internal times can extend it.
Can I do it if I live abroad?
Yes. You grant a power of attorney before a Guatemalan notary near you, or before a local notary with an apostille, and send it to us. We handle the rest in Guatemala. See power of attorney for Guatemala.
Where is the change published?
The final decision is published in the Diario de Centroamérica, Guatemala's official gazette, before the change is registered with RENAP.
Can someone oppose my name change?
During the publication period, a third party with a legitimate interest could file an opposition. If that happens, the process may take longer and we advise you on how to proceed.
Is my name change confidential?
Yes. Every file is handled under professional secrecy.
How much does it cost?
We send you a free quote by WhatsApp after reviewing your case.
Lic. Sergio Alvarez
Lic. Sergio Alvarez handles name changes for Guatemalans in Guatemala and abroad, including those born in the United States whose records do not match.
- Attorney and Notary — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- LL.M. in Finance — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- MBA — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- Master in Management — Tulane University
- Specialization in Corporate Law — Universidad del Istmo
- Diploma in Finance — INCAE Business School and Georgetown University
Let's align your name
Tell us how your name appears in your foreign and Guatemalan documents. We will review them and tell you the route.