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, their name can’t be changed 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:
1. 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.
2. Child’s chosen name
- Chosen family name
- Chosen given name
- Chosen other given name(s).
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.
3. Any original certificates
If your child has changed their name before in Victoria, we ask you to return any previous change of name certificates for your child 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.
4. Proof of your identity
Acceptable documents
Each parent must provide:
- One identity document showing photograph and signature, and
- Two documents showing that your identity is known in the community.
a. Identity document showing photograph and signature
Each parent must provide one of the following:
- Australian passport
- Overseas passport
- Australian driver licence (or learner permit)
- Travel document issued by the Department of Home Affairs:
- Immicard
- Document for Travel to Australia
If you send documents to us by mail, they must be certified copies.
- Don't send original identity documents by mail
- Don't send uncertified copies - we can't accept them.
Learn more about how to prove your identity.
Documents must be current (not expired). We accept Australian passports that are current or expired less than 3 years.
If you cannot provide current photo identification, please contact us.
Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Learn more about the requirements for translated documents.
b. Identity known in the community
Each parent must provide two of the following:
- Medicare card
- Marriage certificate issued in Australia
- Change of name certificate issued in Australia
- Divorce certificate issued in Australia
- Student or tertiary identity card
- Australian security guard or crowd controller licence
- Working with Children Check card
5. Proof of your child’s identity
Your child’s overseas birth certificate is all you need.
You need to send us a certified copy (with certified translation if it isn't in English)
If you can’t provide this, please contact us.
6. Proof of parentage
One of the easiest ways to do this is with your child’s overseas birth certificate. For other options, refer to Proof of parentage tab.
7. Proof of residence
You'll need to prove that your child:
- Has the right to live in Australia
- Has been living in Victoria for at least the last 12 months
You must provide one document from each list below. At least one of the documents must state your child’s place of birth.
a. The child’s right to live in Australia
A document issued by the Department of Home Affairs, for example:
- Australian Citizenship Certificate
- Australian visa (with overseas passport)
- ImmiCard
- Document for Travel to Australia
b. Living in Victoria for at least the last 12 months
Documents in this list must cover at least the last 12 months:
- Confirmation of school attendance (letter on school letterhead or academic results)
- Bank statements (showing Victorian transactions)
If your child is not of school age, each parent must prove that they live in Victoria. Joint (shared) material is acceptable. Examples include:
- Utility accounts (for example, electricity, gas, water)
- Rental agreement
- Confirmation of enrolment in a Victorian tertiary institution
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.