Lexi Webster
Changing your name in Australia involves a legal process, and the specific steps may vary depending on the state or territory where you reside or were born. The process typically involves submitting an application to the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM) in your state, providing various identity documents, and paying associated fees. The requirements and eligibility criteria differ based on factors such as age, citizenship status, and the state or territory of birth registration. Some states have specific residency duration requirements, ranging from 12 months to three consecutive years. It is important to consult the relevant state or territory authority for detailed information on the name change process applicable to your circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Any Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over. |
| Where to apply? | Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in the state where you were born or live. |
| Requirements | Three forms of identity documents, including proof of birth state, residential address, and a photo ID. |
| Additional requirements for applicants born outside Australia | Evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent resident status, and proof of continuous residence in the state for at least 12 months (except for NSW, which requires 3 years). |
| Fee | Varies by state, e.g., $195 in NSW, $131 in Victoria, and $270 in South Australia. |
| Number of name changes allowed | One name change every 12 months, with a limit of three name changes in a lifetime (in South Australia). |
| Name change after marriage | A legal name change is not required if married in Australia and taking or removing a spouse's name, as long as the former name is on the Australian birth certificate or citizenship certificate. |
| Passport update | Apply for a replacement passport with the new name, with fees varying based on passport validity and applicant's age. |
| Other documents to update | Birth certificate, driver's license, bank records, Medicare, tax office, superannuation, etc. |
| Prohibited names | Offensive words, official titles, ranks, or numbers. |
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Eligibility requirements
For Adults:
If you were born in Australia, you should apply for a change of name certificate from the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in the state where you were born. You will need to provide relevant documents, including proof of your birth state, a link between your signature and photo, and proof of your residential address. You will also need to submit your original birth certificate. The fee for updating your name, including a certificate, varies across states, ranging from $131 in Victoria to $270 in South Australia.
If you were born outside Australia, you must apply in the state or territory where you live and have resided continuously for at least 12 months (except in New South Wales, where the requirement is three consecutive years). Additionally, you must provide evidence of your Australian citizenship or permanent resident status.
For Children:
Changing a child's name differs based on their age and whether it is their given name or surname. For children under 12 months old, their given name(s) can be changed by completing a specific application form, and only one change is allowed within 12 months of their birth. A child's surname can be changed at the time of amending the original birth registration information.
Additional Considerations:
It is important to note that certain names are prohibited. Offensive words, official titles, ranks, or numbers cannot be used as names. Additionally, you don't need a legal name change if you are taking or removing your spouse's surname after marriage in Australia, provided your former name is on your Australian birth or citizenship certificate.
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Application process
The application process for changing your name in Australia varies depending on the state or territory in which you were born or reside. Here is a general overview of the process, which may differ based on your specific circumstances and location:
Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Authority
If you were born in Australia, you should apply for a change of name certificate from the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM) in the state where you were born. Each state or territory has its own BDM office, so ensure you apply to the correct one.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
You will need to obtain and complete the relevant application form. The form may vary depending on the state or territory, but it will generally require personal information and details of your requested name change. For example, in Western Australia, you would use the BDM400 Register a Change of Name (Adult) application form.
Step 3: Provide Required Documents
Along with your application form, you must submit specific documents as proof of your identity and residency. The requirements may differ between states, but generally, you will need at least three forms of identity documents, including a photo ID. If you were born overseas, you will also need to provide evidence of your Australian citizenship or permanent resident status.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
There are typically fees associated with changing your name in Australia. These fees vary significantly from state to state, ranging from $131 in Victoria to $270 in South Australia. Some states, like New South Wales, charge a standard fee of $195.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application form, along with the required documents and fees, to the appropriate BDM office. You can usually mail, email, or deliver your application in person, depending on the specific guidelines of your state or territory.
Step 6: Receive Your Certificate
Once your application is approved, you will receive a legal name change certificate. This certificate serves as official proof of your new name.
Step 7: Notify Relevant Organisations
After receiving your new name certificate, you must notify various organisations and institutions of your name change. This includes government agencies, financial institutions, and other companies. Each organisation may have its own procedures for updating your records, so be sure to follow their specific requirements.
It's important to note that the above steps provide a general framework, and specific details may differ based on your location and individual circumstances. Additionally, if you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, there may be slightly different procedures, especially if your former name is on your Australian birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
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Fees
The fees associated with changing your name in Australia vary depending on the state or territory in which you were born. Here is a breakdown of the fees for changing your name in different states:
New South Wales (NSW):
The exact fee amount for changing your name in NSW is not specified. However, there is a mention of a $11 postage and handling charge, with an additional $9 for international post.
Queensland:
In Queensland, the fee you pay is for submitting your application and for the authorities to review it. The total cost is calculated as you fill in the application form. The fee is non-refundable if your application is refused or cancelled after the review process begins. Queensland also offers the option of express or registered post for an additional fee.
Victoria:
Victoria also has a similar fee structure to Queensland, where the fee covers the submission and review of your application. The fees are non-refundable except in specific circumstances outlined on their Refunds page. Fee waivers may be available in cases of financial hardship. Victoria sends legal certificates by express post for security reasons, and payment methods include credit/debit card or BPAY.
It is important to note that the laws and requirements for changing your name differ between states and territories in Australia. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific requirements and fees for the state or territory in which you were born.
Additionally, if you are changing your name due to a change in marital status, you may need to provide certain documents to link your current name to the name on your Australian birth or citizenship certificate. In some cases, you may be eligible for a free replacement passport if you meet specific conditions.
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Documentation
The documentation required to change your name in Australia varies depending on the state or territory in which you were born or reside. Here is a breakdown of the documentation requirements for different states and territories:
Western Australia (WA)
If you were born in WA or your birth is registered there, you can apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in WA to change your name. You will need to provide three forms of identity documents, including one from List 1 and two from List 2. At least one of these documents must contain a photograph. If you were born outside of Australia, you will also need to provide evidence of your Australian citizenship or permanent resident status.
New South Wales (NSW)
To change your name in NSW, you must apply to the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). If you were born overseas, you must have resided in NSW for three consecutive years immediately before your application. As part of the application, you will need to provide relevant documents, including proof of your birth state, a link between your signature and photo, and proof of your residential address. You will also need to submit your original birth certificate. The fee for updating your name, including a certificate, is $195.
South Australia (SA)
In SA, Australian citizens or permanent residents who have lived in the state for at least the last twelve months can apply for a name change. You will need to provide certified copies of your ID and evidence, as well as a signed declaration in front of a registry-approved witness. The fees for a name change in SA range from $131 to $270.
Other States and Territories
While not as detailed, it is important to note that different states and territories have varying requirements. For example, if you were born in another Australian state or territory, you must apply for a name change in that specific state or territory. Additionally, each state or territory has its own fee structure, with costs ranging from $131 in Victoria to $270 in SA.
It is always recommended to refer to the official government websites of the respective states or territories for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the name change process and required documentation.
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Notification
Once you have your new name, you will need to notify friends, family, and colleagues and start using your new name immediately.
You must also notify all necessary organisations and institutions of your name change. This includes the Passport Office, Department of Immigration, Centrelink, the Australian Tax Office, Medicare, superannuation, your workplace, and educational institutions. Each organisation will have its own policies around the reissuing of ID and updating your name in their systems. Some require a statutory declaration confirming that you have affirmed your gender and updated your name, while others will need an updated birth certificate or change of name certificate.
You can use a Change of Name Notification Letter to notify each organisation. You can also elect to receive an updated birth certificate or change of name certificate.
If you have purchased an Easy Name Change kit, you can have your notifications sent off within a few days. Companies generally update your record a few working days after receiving your request. The ATO and Medicare can take 4 weeks to update your record.
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