What is this application for?
Use this application to register a legal change of name for your child.
Who can apply?
This page explains how to change your child's name if the child:
- Is under 18 years old
- Was born in Victoria, Australia
- Has not changed their record of sex in the last 12 months.
What you’ll need
In most cases, both parents on the birth certificate need to complete the application. When you apply:
- Parent 1 completes their part
- Parent 1 attaches consent from the child, if applicable
If the child is 12 years or older, you can't change their name without their consent. Attach the child’s consent to your application. Learn more about how to digitise and upload documents - We will email Parent 2 to complete their part.
If you can’t apply online, contact BDM and request a paper change of name form.
We'll ask you for the following:
About you and your child
At minimum, we'll ask you for:
- Your child's name, date of birth and place of birth
- Your name and address
- Name and address of the second parent (if applicable)
- A clear reason for the change of name
- Any previous names your child has been known by.
Child's chosen name
- Chosen family name(s)
- Chosen given name
- Chosen other given name(s).
Generally, we accept most names. However, both parents need to agree on the name and there are some names that aren’t allowed. See Naming restrictions.
When you apply, please take care to provide correct details.
Enter details exactly as you want them on the certificate. This includes spelling and capitalisation (e.g. Name).
Remember to review the sections before you submit.
You may have to pay to correct a mistake or get a replacement certificate. Additional wait times will apply.
Original certificate(s)
We ask you to return your child’s birth certificate before we can issue a new one.
If you don't have the original, you need to provide a statutory declaration(opens in a new window) explaining why. Learn more about how to digitise and upload documents.
Proof of your identity
Both parents on the birth certificate need to prove their identity. You can prove your identity two ways.
The easiest way to prove your identity is online.
Proof of parentage
Your child’s Victorian birth certificate, naming you as a parent, is all you need. You need to send us the original, not a copy.
For other options, read more about applications from one parent.
Advise if the child or parent is in custody
If the child or parent is in custody, you must attach approval from the relevant authority to change the child’s name.
It is an offence to apply without this approval.
How long will it take to get the certificate?
When you apply for a certificate or registration, we email you details of documents you need to provide. Our processing times start when we receive all required documents.
If you didn’t receive an email after applying, contact us.
| Type of application | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Change of name registration and certificate | Up to 42 days (6 weeks) |
Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.
Change of name certificate
Legal certificate
When you change your child's name, you get a new birth certificate. It shows your child's:
- New name
- Name at birth.
The back of the certificate shows a history of the changes.
The certificate is valid for all legal and official purposes. You will need this certificate to update identity documents such as your driver licence and passport.
Get a certificate later
You can order another certificate later – for example if you lost it and need a replacement. Get a birth certificate.
Certificate fees and postage
The fees are non-refundable except as set out on our Refunds page. A fee waiver may be available in certain circumstances of financial hardship.
Certificate fees
| Type of certificate | Price |
|---|---|
Application fee. Includes:
| $140.40 |
Postage
We send legal certificates by express post, for security.
For commemorative certificates, you may only choose standard post. This is because they're not official identity documents. Legal and commemorative certificates will arrive separately.
| Postage type | Price |
|---|---|
| Express post (within Australia) | $10.20 |
| Express post (International) | $55.50 |
Payment methods
Pay via credit card, Paypal or BPAY.
After your application is submitted
You‘ll receive an email after submitting your application.
If you didn’t receive an email after applying, first check your spam inbox. If you still don’t have the email, read about common causes of delay.
Once we have everything we need, we’ll complete your application within processing timeframes. We’ll email to let you know when we’ve posted your certificate.
Update your child's documents
Once your child's name has been changed, you must update all your child's identity documents and records with their new name. These may include:
- Passport
- Bank accounts
- School enrolment
- Visa travel documents.
Learn more about updating your child's identity documents after you've changed your child's name.
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