Malta

What do I do first?

Start by choosing whether you want your name changed on its own, or also want your recorded gender changed. These are different legal routes.

For recorded-gender changes under the Gender Identity Act, most eligible Maltese citizens aged 16 or over use a notary. Article 4 couples a name change under that procedure with a recorded-gender change.

For a name-only change, ask the Public Registry or a Maltese legal adviser about the separate civil-status procedure. Form V is for limited corrections, not a general form for choosing a new transition name.

Changing recorded gender, with or without your name

For most Maltese citizens aged 16 or over, this process involves making a formal declaration with a practising Maltese notary. The notary prepares a public deed — the legal document recording the declaration — and arranges its registration.

Medical treatment is not required for this gender-recognition procedure. You can also request the non-binary X marker. A name-only application is a separate route; do not assume this notary process applies.

1. Ask the notary to confirm that this process fits your situation and which documents to bring.
2. Confirm the exact spelling of your new first name and any gender marker you want changed.
3. Ask whether your marriage or civil-union record also needs updating. If you need an adoption certificate changed, raise this at the start: that uses a court process.
4. Get a written price before going ahead. Ask for the notary’s fee, registration costs and copies to be listed separately.
5. Once registration is confirmed, apply for updated ID and other documents. The notary’s work does not replace every card or update your bank and employer.

If you are not a Maltese citizen, or live abroad

Living in Malta does not automatically mean you can use the Maltese-citizen process above. Contact Identità about the process for your citizenship and residence status.

If another country has already recognised your gender, ask which documents Identità needs to recognise that decision. If you have international protection, ask about the process specifically for people with that status.

For non-EU residents, Identità has a residence-document service called “other changes” covering details such as surname and gender. Its published fee is €50. Ask which form, documents and appointment you need; that price does not apply to everyone living in Malta.

If you live abroad, ask the Maltese office whether you can apply through a consulate and which documents it needs. Changes in Malta do not automatically change a birth certificate or passport issued by another country.

Change your ID card, then your driving licence

For a Maltese ID card, your new name or surname must be on the Public Registry first. The Public Registry holds official records such as births and marriages.

1. Ask Identità for the changed-details process. Its checklist lists your existing ID card and form ID10a. Ask what extra evidence you need and whether you need an appointment, photograph or fingerprints.
2. A standard ID-card name update is free. Lost, damaged or urgent replacements have different charges.
3. When the ID card is updated, apply to Transport Malta for your new driving licence. You need form DRV010, a copy of the updated ID and your original licence or learner-permit tag.
4. The driving-licence change costs €10. Urgent service adds €25. Tell your motor insurer and any vehicle finance company separately.

Your passport, bank, work and other accounts

After the registry and identity updates, ask the Passport Office what it needs to issue a passport with your new details. Say that your details have changed so it gives you the right document list.

A standard Maltese passport for someone aged 16 or over costs €70 from September to March, or €80 from April to August. Urgent issue costs €160. Check for extra consular, delivery or other service charges before applying.

Your bank, employer, healthcare providers and other organisations need separate requests. Use the checklist and messages below to work through them. After each update, check the name on the new card, letter or payslip.

Keep the name on your travel booking consistent with the passport you will use.

Who can see your previous name?

It is reasonable to ask about this before going ahead. Ask the notary who can access the registered deed and which certificate you should use for everyday identity checks.

Identità says certificates issued through the gender-identity process can show the updated details without visibly showing the name or gender change to an ordinary reader. This does not mean every older record is deleted or inaccessible.

When sending proof to another organisation, ask whether it needs an original, a certified copy or a scan. A certified copy is one checked by an authorised person. If you send an original, confirm how it will be returned.