Italian Citizens who intend to change or modify their name and/or surname must be authorized by the Prefettura. Requests must be of an exceptional nature and are allowed only in the presence of relevant situations, supported by adequate legal documentation and significant reasons. Italian citizens residing abroad (AIRE members) must follow a particular procedure at the Consulate to change their name or surname. The competent Consulate will forward the request in Italy to the competent Prefettura.
Since the application is presented through the Consulate, the procedure to follow is partly different from that which Italians residing in Italy must follow.
For more information, see the How to – Change of name/surname