You can change your child's name if they are:
Not sure if you're in the right place?
| Person whose name is being changed | Born in Victoria | Born overseas | Born interstate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | Adult born in Victoria | Adult born overseas | Apply to the Registry in that state or territory (External link) |
| Child |  Read this page |
Child born overseas | Apply to the Registry in that state or territory (External link) |
In most cases, both parents on the birth certificate need to complete the application. When you apply:
If you can’t apply online, contact BDM and request a paper change of name form.
We'll ask you for the following:
At minimum, we'll ask you for:
Generally, we accept most names that parents choose for their child. However, both parents need to agree on the name and there are some names that aren't allowed.
See Naming your child.
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 explaining why. Learn more about how to digitise and upload documents.
Both parents on the birth certificate need to prove their identity. One of the easiest ways to prove your identity is by presenting your driver licence (if it confirms your residential address) and your passport.
Alternatively, you can provide your driver licence, Medicare card and bank card.
If you send documents to us by mail, they must be certified copies.
Learn more about how to prove your identity.
Documents must be current (not expired). If you cannot provide current photo identification, please contact us.
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.
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.
We can accept applications from one parent in the following circumstances only:
| Circumstance | What you need to provide |
|---|---|
| The child's birth certificate names only one parent | Your child’s original birth certificate |
| The other parent named on the child's birth certificate has died | A certified copy of the death certificate |
A court order, stating that your child's current name is to be changed to the new name, has been issued by:
|
A certified copy of the court order. The court order must list the child’s old and new names. The new names that you apply for must exactly match the new name(s) on the court order. |
Learn more about uploading hard copy documents online.
A sole parentage order alone does not give you the right to change your child's name. Both parents still need to complete the application.
If you're not the child's birth parent, you must provide proof that you’re the child’s legal guardian.
You must also provide one of the following:
You may have to provide additional documents. Contact us for more advice.
If you're not the child's birth parent, you must provide:
You may have to provide additional documents. Contact us for more advice.
When you change your child’s name, you get a new birth certificate. It shows your child’s:
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 your child’s identity documents, such as their passport.
You can order another certificate later – for example, if you lost it and need a replacement.
Estimated time from when we receive a complete application with proof of identity:
| Delivery method | Standard service |
|---|---|
| Click and collect 595 Collins St, Melbourne |
28 days (4 weeks) |
| Australia Post | 35 days (5 weeks) |
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.
|
Standard |
|---|
| $110.50^ |
|
Includes:
|
* Allow extra time if you choose to receive your certificate by post.
^ Additional postage costs apply (see below).
These fees are non-refundable except as set out in our Refunds page.
We can’t refund postage fees if you decide to collect your certificate(s) in person.
| Type of certificate | Postage and handling method | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Legal certificate | Click and collect 595 Collins St, Melbourne |
FREE |
| Legal certificate | Express post | $10.00 |
| Commemorative certificate | Standard post | $1.00 |
| Type of certificate | Postage and handling method | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Legal certificate | International express | $54.10 |
| Commemorative certificate | International economy | $3.80 |
See Australia Post (External link) for more postage details.
Check the Payment methods we accept
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:
You should not change your child’s legal name lightly. Your child’s name can be changed only once in a 12 month period and 3 times in their lifetime.
If you want to change your child’s name again, you will need to prove they have been using this name for at least 12 months.