This page explains how to change your name if you are:

  • An adult (over 18)
  • Born in Victoria.

Not sure if you’re in the right place?

 
Person whose name is being changed Born in Victoria Born overseas Born interstate
Adult Read this page Adult born overseas Apply to the Registry in that state or territory (External link)
Child Child born in Victoria Child born overseas Apply to the Registry in that state or territory (External link)

 

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.

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

Apply now (External link)

What you'll need to do

We'll ask you for the following:

1. 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
  • Original (not copies) birth certificates. You will need to post these to us, or bring them in in person
  • Credit history (if changing more than one name: for example, your name and middle name). You can attach these to your online application
  • Any previous names you've been known by.

2. Your chosen name

  • Chosen family name(s)
  • Chosen given name
  • Chosen other given name(s).

Generally, we accept most names, but there are some names that aren’t allowed. See Naming restrictions.

3. Your original certificate

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 (External link) explaining why. Learn more about how to digitise and upload documents.

4. Proof of your identity

Acceptable documents

One of the easiest ways to prove your identity is by presenting your driver licence (if it confirms your residential address) and your Passport.

Example driver licenceExample passport

Alternatively, you can provide your driver licence, medicare card and bank card.

Example driver licenceExample Medicare cardExample bank card

There are other ways to prove your identity.

Documents must be current (not expired). If you cannot provide current photo identification, please contact us.

Get a certificate

Get a certificate when you change your name

When you change your name, you get a new birth certificate. It shows your:

  • New name
  • Name at birth.

A history of changes is on the back of the certificate.

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 (External link)

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.

 

Processing and delivery

How long will it take?

Estimated time from when we receive a complete application with proof of identity:
Delivery Method Standard service
Click and collect
595 Collins St, Melbourne		 20 days
Australia Post
Registered post		 26 days

Track the progress of your certificate (External link)

Delivery of multiple copies

If you order more than one copy of a certificate, how we package them depends on the postage method:

  • Standard post – for security, we post each certificate separately
  • Registered or Express Post – we post them together.

We'll post them all on the same day, but Australia Post may deliver them on different days.

Fees and payment

Change of name and certificate fees

 

Standard
20 days*
$107.90*
Includes
  • Change of name
  • Certificate
  • No extra processing fees

* Allow extra time if you choose to receive your certificate by post.

* Additional postage costs apply (see below).

The fees are non-refundable except as set out in our Refunds page.

Postage

We cannot refund postage fees if you decide to collect your certificate(s) in person.

Postage fees within Australia
Australia Price
Click and collect
595 Collins St Melbourne		 FREE
Registered post (recommended)
Online tracking and compensation for loss or damage up to $100		 $7.40
Express post
Faster delivery		 $7.80
Standard post $1.00
International  
Airmail  $3.70
Express Courier International $52.80

See Australia Post for more postage details (External link).

 

Payment methods

Check the Payment methods we accept

After the change

After you’ve changed your name

Update your documents

After you've changed your name, you must update your identity documents. These may include:

  • Driver licence
  • Passport
  • Bank accounts
  • Electoral enrolment
  • Utility accounts
  • Superannuation
  • Insurance
  • Immigration documents

Changing your name again

You should not  change your legal name lightly. You can change your name only once in a 12 month period and 3 times in your lifetime.

If you want to change your name again, you will need to prove you have been using this name for at least 12 months.

Apply now (External link)