Rwandan citizens can change their names through IremboGov by submitting a request and confirming it. The Ministry of Local Governance (M.I.N.A.L.O.C.) offers this service for free, allowing citizens to request an official name change. After applying, applicants receive a change of name certificate, which they can use to publish the change in the official gazette and media.
The processing time for this service is 7 days.
This article will show step by step how an Irembo agent can submit a change of name request on behalf of an applicant.
Prerequisites:
Adults should have a Rwandan national ID, whereas minors should have a child ID/ or citizen application number.
Applicants should have one of these attachments: a baptism card issued at birth, result slip P6, S3, or S6 national exam, any national exam registration form with a photo on it, and a high school diploma.
Applicants should have a valid phone number, email address, or both.
Follow these simple steps to apply for submission of a change of name for an applicant:
Visit the Irembo platform: www.irembo.gov.rw and log in to your agent account.
To start a new application, click the "new application" icon.
Under Identification, click on Change of Name.
Select Submission of Change of Name Request and who you are applying for, "Adult or Child," then click on Apply.
Enter all the required applicant details. The reason for the request should be on the list provided.
NOTE: Write your names in the order you wish to see them on the new national ID.
Select your document from the drop-down menu and attach it in the correct format and size. Click "Next" to proceed.
Verify that the information is true, enter the applicant’s phone number and/or email address, check the verification box, and click Submit.
NOTE: Please check in with the applicant to ensure all information provided is true and correct.
An application number will be generated to follow up on the application status.
NOTE: After successfully submitting the first application via IremboGov, it is sent to M.I.N.A.L.O.C. for processing. After approval, take the following steps on the applicant's behalf or advise the applicant accordingly:
Receives the change of name certificate from MINALOC via email or downloads it on the IremboGov platform.
Publishes the change of name submission in the gazette, attaches the certificate, and pays Rwf 7,000 for the application. Click here for more information.
Download the Gazette Publication Document on the IremboGov platform.
NOTE: To change your name, announce your change of name certificate in a newspaper and a radio station, pay for the announcements, and collect the Media Publication Document from both. Scan both documents into one and use them, along with the Gazette, to apply for confirmation of the change of name.