How does a legal name change work in Australia?
Name changes in Australia are handled by each state and territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). There is no single national process. You apply to the BDM registry in the state or territory where you were born or where you currently reside depending on your circumstances. A successful application results in a Change of Name certificate which is the legal evidence of your new name.
How do I apply for an adult name change in each state?
In NSW apply to NSW BDM at bdm.nsw.gov.au. In Victoria apply to VIC BDM at bdm.vic.gov.au. In Queensland apply to QLD BDM at qld.gov.au/law/births-deaths-marriages-and-divorces. In WA apply to WA BDM at bdm.justice.wa.gov.au. Most state BDM registries now offer online applications. You must be 18 or over and an Australian citizen or permanent resident to apply for an adult change of name.
What documents do I need to apply for a name change in Australia?
You typically need your original birth certificate or an extract, a current photo identity document such as a passport or driver licence, and proof of current address. If you were born overseas you will also need to provide your overseas birth certificate and any relevant immigration documents. Specific document requirements vary by state so check your state BDM website before applying.
What are the fees for a name change in each state?
Fees vary by state and change periodically. As a guide, in NSW the fee is approximately $193, in Victoria approximately $138, in Queensland approximately $191, and in WA approximately $168. These fees cover the application and one Change of Name certificate. Additional certificates cost extra. Check the current fee on your state BDM website before applying.
How does a child name change work in Australia?
To change a child's name both parents with parental responsibility must generally consent, or one parent can apply with evidence of the other parent's consent. If consent cannot be obtained the applying parent must obtain a court order from the Family Court of Australia or a state equivalent. The child must also consent if they are aged 12 or over in most states. Applications go to the BDM registry in the state where the child was born.
Can I change my name after marriage or divorce in Australia?
After marriage you can use your marriage certificate as evidence of your new name without registering a formal change of name with the BDM. Similarly after divorce, if you wish to revert to your birth name or a previous name, your divorce order and birth certificate together serve as evidence of your name. A formal name change registration is only needed if you want to adopt a name unrelated to your birth or married name.
What documents do I need to update after a name change in Australia?
After receiving your Change of Name certificate you should update your Medicare card through Services Australia at servicesaustralia.gov.au, your Australian Tax Office records and Tax File Number at ato.gov.au, your Australian passport through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, your driver licence through your state road authority such as Service NSW or VicRoads, and your bank accounts and superannuation records.
Can I change my name to anything I want in Australia?
No. BDM registries can refuse an application if the proposed name is obscene or offensive, includes numbers or symbols, is excessively long, is contrary to the public interest, or could be used for a fraudulent purpose. Names that could be confused with titles or ranks may also be refused. Each state BDM has discretion to refuse applications that do not meet these standards.
Does any part of the name change process in Australia require notarization?
BDM name change applications themselves do not require notarization. However supporting documents such as overseas birth certificates may need to be accompanied by a certified translation or an apostille if issued by a foreign government. Statutory declarations within the application must be witnessed by a justice of the peace, who is available at most post offices and government service centres at no cost.
How does uplaw.ai help with a name change in Australia?
Tell uplaw.ai your state, whether the name change is for yourself or a child, and your current circumstances. We identify the correct BDM registry and form for your situation, help you prepare your application and supporting documents, and provide a checklist of government records and identity documents to update after your name change is registered.
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