Changing Your Name

You are able to change your name officially, should you wish to do so.

You can change your name by completing the Change of Name form available from the Births Deaths and Marriages Registry and paying a fee. If you are under 18, you will need the consent of both of your parents.

You can also change your name by usage (calling yourself your new name), however if you assume your new name and do not register it, you may run into problems if you need proof of your identity (for example, when you renew your passport).

If you get married and decide to take you partner’s name you will need to register this change of name, though it is not compulsory to change your name after your marriage.

If you change your name you need to notify institutions like the Electoral Roll, your state or territory government, banks, your doctor and your employer within 14 days.

Differences between states

Northern Territory

You can go to the Northern Territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages website for more information about how to officially change your name, or for a copy of the application form.

ACT

To change your name in the ACT you must have either had your birth registered in the ACT or be a permanent resident of the ACT.  If your birth was registered outside the ACT or you are not a permanent ACT resident, you will need to register your change of name in the state in which you were born and your birth was registered,

Change of Name forms are available online at the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Western Australia

To change your name in WA you must have either had your birth registered in WA or have been a permanent resident in WA for at least 12 months before you apply.

You can change your name by completing the Change of Name form available from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages website and paying a fee. If you are under 18, your parents will need to make the application.

NSW

You can change your name by completing the Change of Name form available from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or Service NSW and paying a fee.  If you are under 18, your parents will need to make the application.

Victoria

You can apply to change your name if you are 18 years of age or older, and were born in Victoria or have lived in Victoria for at least the last 12 months. Find out more information on the Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria website.

South Australia

To change your name in South Australia you must have either had your birth registered in SA or have been a resident of SA for at least 3 months.  Only one name change is allowed in a 12 month period.

Change of Name forms and more information is available online at Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Tasmania

To change your name in Tasmania you must have either had your birth registered in Tasmania or have been a permanent resident in Tasmania for at least 12 months before you apply.  Only one name change is allowed in a 12 month period.

You can change your name by completing the ‘Application to Register – Change of Name’ form available from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages website and paying a fee. If you are under 18, your parents will need to make the application.

You can also go to Service Tasmania for more information about how to officially change your name.

Queensland

You can go to the Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages website for more information about how to officially change your name, or for a copy of the application form.