Change a name

Adults born in Victoria or overseas can apply to change their name or their child’s name.

The process to change a name depends on whether:

  • You’re an adult (over 18 years of age) or child
  • You were born in Victoria or overseas

If you were born interstate, apply to the Registry in that state or territory.

You can change your name only once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime.

Changing your name after marriage, separation or divorce

If you married in Australia, you don’t need to apply for a change of name. Just give the relevant organisations a copy of your Australian marriage certificate.

Read Changing your name after marriage, separation or divorce if you want to change your family name:

  • To your spouse's
  • Back to your own family name.

Changing a record of sex

If you want to change your name and record of sex at the same time, please apply from our ‘Change a record of sex’ pages.

Apply online

Choose the page that matches your circumstances: adult or child, born in Victoria or born overseas.
Age of person whose name is being changedPerson born in VictoriaPerson born overseas
Adult (over 18)Change your name – adult born in VictoriaChange your name – adult born overseas
ChildChange your child’s name – child born in VictoriaChange your child’s name – child born overseas

Read our information for young people on changing a name.

Deed poll

Deed polls are no longer used in Victoria for a change of name. Learn more about getting a copy of a deed poll certificate.

Updated