Lyla Lindsey
Registering a name change in Australia involves different procedures depending on the state and whether the applicant is an adult or a child. In New South Wales, for example, applicants can register a name change online, by post, or in person at a Service NSW Centre. They must provide proof of identity, address, and residency, and pay a fee. In Western Australia, applicants must apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages and provide evidence of citizenship or permanent residency if the child was born outside Australia. Similar processes are in place for other states, with some variations in requirements and procedures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Adults and children (under 18 years) |
| Who can't apply? | People who have changed their name 3 times in their lifetime |
| Requirements | Proof of identity, proof of residency, marriage certificate, divorce document, citizenship certificate, deed poll document, birth certificate, name change certificate, passport |
| Application process | Online, by post, or in person |
| Fees | Vary depending on the choice of certificate |
| Processing time | Varies, can be checked on the CBS website |
| Delivery | Certificates are delivered by registered post |
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What You'll Learn
Requirements for name changes in NSW
To register a name change in New South Wales (NSW), you must meet several requirements. Firstly, you must be either an Australian citizen or a permanent resident. If you were born overseas, you must have lived in NSW for at least three consecutive years before submitting your application.
Secondly, you must provide certified documentation to prove your identity and residence in NSW. This includes a valid Australian passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or driver's licence. All identification documents must be certified by a qualified witness, such as a Justice of the Peace or a lawyer.
Thirdly, you can only change your name once in a 12-month period and up to three times in your lifetime. If you have previously changed your name, you must provide reasons for the additional change.
Fourthly, there are specific requirements for individuals under the supervision of certain authorities, such as the NSW Police Commissioner. These individuals must obtain permission from the relevant authority before applying for a name change.
Finally, the application process can be completed online or by visiting a Service NSW Centre in person. The application fee varies depending on the type of certificate chosen. It is important to note that processing times may be delayed if the application is incomplete or does not include valid identification.
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Name changes for children in Western Australia
In Western Australia, parents can apply to change their child's name by applying to the Western Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The process depends on the child's age and the type of name change.
If your child is under 12 months of age and you only want to change their given name, you can complete the 'BDM105 - Change a child's given name(s) within 12 months of their birth' form. A fee is payable for this service, and only one change can be made within 12 months of the child's date of birth.
If your child is over 12 months of age or you wish to change their family name, you will need to complete the 'BDM401 - Application to register a change of name (child under 18 years)' form. If your child is 12 years of age or older and you are requesting to change their family name, your child must agree to the change and sign the application form.
If both parents are named on the child's birth registration, both must agree to the name change. In cases where both parents cannot agree, a parent can ask for permission from the Family Court of WA, which will decide based on the best interests of the child.
When applying to change a child's name, you will need to provide three forms of identity documents. If the child was born outside of Australia, you must also provide evidence of their citizenship or permanent resident status. If the child was born overseas, you must provide evidence that the parents have been living continuously in WA for 12 months before the application.
It is important to note that there is no legal requirement to formally change your name in Australia. However, it is recommended to do so officially for identification purposes and as evidence of the name change.
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Name changes for adults in Western Australia
To register a name change as an adult in Western Australia, you must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- You were born in Western Australia.
- Your birth was registered in Western Australia.
- You are a permanent resident of Australia and ordinarily reside in Western Australia.
- You are an Australian citizen and ordinarily reside in Western Australia.
If you were born overseas, you must provide evidence of your citizenship or permanent resident status. Additionally, if you have lived in Western Australia for less than 12 months, you must provide a minimum of two separate forms of documentary evidence to show that you have been living continuously in the state for the 12 months immediately before submitting your application.
The name change application process involves completing the BDM400 Register a Change of Name (Adult) application form. You will need to provide three forms of identity documents. The Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages may verify the authenticity of your identity documents through the online national Document Verification Service (DVS).
After submitting your application, you will receive an email with your Online Reference Number (ORN) and a receipt confirming your application and payment. The processing time for your application may vary, and you will be informed of the estimated processing time. Once your application is approved, you will receive your name change certificate by registered post.
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Name changes after marriage
If you were married in Australia, you can take your spouse's surname without going through the formal name change application process. However, if you were married overseas, you will need to apply to change your name.
To update your name on documents such as your driver's license, passport, and bank accounts, contact the relevant organisations. They may require you to complete a name change request form or provide a copy of your marriage certificate.
If you were born overseas and married in Australia, organisations will typically accept a copy of your foreign passport or Australian citizenship certificate, along with your Australian marriage certificate.
If you choose to change your family name when you get married, you will need to inform government agencies, banks, utility suppliers, and other businesses of your new married name. They may require proof of your name change, such as your official marriage certificate or other identity documents.
It is important to note that the commemorative certificate received on your wedding day is not the legal marriage certificate. Most organisations will only accept the BDM-issued legal certificate as evidence of your name change.
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Name changes on passports
The name on your passport will be the name on your full Australian birth certificate, Australian citizenship certificate, or most recent Australian passport issued after 20 August 1986 with a validity of two years or more. If you have only one name, enter it in the 'Family name' field of the application.
If you have changed your name, you must show documents linking your current name to the name on your Australian birth or citizenship certificate. If you have changed your name more than once, you must document all name changes. If your name change is due to a change in marital status (including marriage, divorce, entering or leaving a registered relationship, or the death of a spouse), you will need to provide mandatory documents linking your current name to the name on your birth or citizenship certificate.
If you have changed your given name(s) but not your family name, you are not eligible for a free replacement passport. To get a free replacement passport, you must prove that your name change is related to a change in your marital status.
If your name change is not due to a change in marital status, you should stop using your current passport. If you have two or more concurrent passports, you must change the name on all of them at the same time. To get a new passport, you will need to show documents that prove your citizenship and identity, including documents that link your new name to your old name.
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Frequently asked questions
You can register a change of name with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) in the state where you were born. You will need to provide certified documentation that you have lived in that state for at least three consecutive years prior to your application.
You will need to provide certified identification and supporting documents. If you are applying in NSW, you will need to provide one document from each of the three Proof of Identity (POI) categories and a fourth category to confirm your NSW residential address.
There is a fee attached to the application, with the total amount varying depending on your choice of certificate. The price includes $11 for postage and handling, with an additional $9 for international post.
Yes, you can apply to register a change of name for a child under 18 years of age. All parents named in the child's birth registration or the child's legally appointed guardians must complete the application form and provide three forms of identity documents.
In NSW and South Australia, you can only change your name once in a 12-month period and up to three times in your lifetime.
