What is this application for?
Use this application to register a legal change of name.
You can change your name only once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime.
Who can apply?
This page explains how to change your name if you are:
- An adult (over 18)
- Born in Victoria.
Changing your name due to marriage, separation or divorce
Read Changing your name after marriage, separation or divorce if you want to change your family name:
- To your spouse's family name
- Back to your own family name.
What you’ll need
We'll ask you for the following information during the application process.
Your current details
At a minimum, we’ll ask you for:
- Personal details, such as name and date of birth
- A clear reason for the change of name
A full credit report (if changing more than one name: for example, your first name and family name).
Agencies that we accept credit reports from include:
We can request a credit report, when deemed necessary. These organisations can provide a credit report, even if you don't have any credit history. This demonstrates the name that financial institutions may have known you by, prior to your change of name application. We can still accept a credit report with no credit history. You can upload this to your online application.
- Any previous names you've been known by.
You might be using a different name in the community from what is on your birth record (before the change of name). If so, we may ask you for documents linking the different names or a statutory declaration to explain it.
Your chosen name
- Chosen family name(s)
- Chosen given name
- Chosen other given name(s).
Generally, we accept most names. However, 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 the original 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
You can prove your identity two ways.
The easiest way to prove your identity is online.
You can use this proof of identity questionnaire if you are not sure which option is best for you.
Advise if you are detained or subject to court orders
If you are an offender, you must attach approval from the relevant authority to change your name.
It is an offence to apply without this approval.
How long will it take to get my 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 name, you get a new birth certificate. It shows your:
- 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. Order a new 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 documents
After you've changed your name, you must update your identity documents. These may include:
- Driver licence
- Immigration documents
- Passport (Australian or another country)
- Bank accounts
- Electoral enrolment
- Utility accounts
- Superannuation
- Insurance.
Learn more about updating your other identity documents after you've changed your 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.
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