What are the conditions for changing the first name via Absher, and can it be changed twice?
With the rapid digital transformation underway in Saudi Arabia, questions are increasing about the electronic services offered by the Ministry of Interior. Among the most prominent of these questions are: What are the requirements for changing a first name via Absher? And are citizens allowed to make this change more than once? The Absher platform, affiliated with the Civil Status Department, has provided comprehensive answers regarding this service, which is of interest to a large segment of the population, whether for changing their own names or the names of their children under the age of eighteen electronically.
Digital transformation in Saudi Arabia: A historical context for the Absher platform
Reaching the current level of services was not a sudden occurrence, but rather the culmination of ongoing efforts within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to digitize all government services. Historically, visiting civil affairs offices required significant time and effort from citizens to make even the simplest changes, such as correcting or changing names. With the launch of the "Absher" platform, a true revolution occurred in the concept of public administration, transforming complex paperwork into simple electronic steps that can be completed from anywhere at any time. This reflects the Kingdom's commitment to facilitating the lives of its citizens and residents.
Conditions for changing the first name via Absher: Can it be changed twice?
The Civil Status Department, through its official FAQ account on the “X” platform, clarified the details of the first name change service via Absher. According to the guidelines, beneficiaries are permitted to amend their own first name or that of a family member (under 18 years of age) only twice. However, the crucial condition is that the second amendment must be exclusively for reverting to the previously changed name; choosing a third, entirely new name is not allowed.
Steps to implement the service electronically
The platform confirmed that the service can be implemented easily and conveniently by following these steps:
- Log in to your personal account on the Absher website or app.
- Select the “My Services” tab and then click on “Civil Status Services”.
- Click on the “Name field editing services” option.
- Finally, select the “Change First Name” service and follow the instructions to complete the request.
The local and regional impact of digitizing civil services
Making sensitive and accurate services like personal data modification available electronically is of paramount importance and has a far-reaching impact. Locally, it helps alleviate the burden on government offices, reduces congestion, and enhances user satisfaction. Regionally and internationally, the success of the “Absher” platform positions Saudi Arabia among the world’s leading countries in e-government. This advanced model has become a benchmark in the Middle East, demonstrating the capability of Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure to manage massive databases with the highest standards of security and reliability.
Key Family Registry Services Available Through Absher
In addition to name changes, there are several family registry services that can be easily completed through the platform without the need to visit civil status offices, including:
Issuance of a family record:
It allows newly married citizens to request the issuance of a family record electronically in simple and easy steps.
Updating the family record:
This service enables individuals to update their family record data to ensure that the information matches official records.
Request for a replacement for a lost or damaged item:
In case of loss or damage to the document, the platform allows citizens to report this immediately and request the issuance of a replacement for the lost or damaged family record electronically, with the possibility of delivering it to the national address.
A comprehensive way to access family registry services:
- Log in to the Absher platform.
- Choose “My Services”.
- Select “Civil Status”.
- Select “Family Registry Services”.
In conclusion, the “Absher” platform continues to provide exceptional facilities for users, enabling them to complete all types of services electronically from all over the Kingdom, thus consolidating the concept of smart digital management that serves the citizen around the clock.
