We'll ask you for the following information during the application process:
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
- Credit history (if changing more than one name: for example, your first name and family name).
Agencies that we accept credit histories from include:
You can attach these 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 to provide a statutory declaration to explain this.
2. 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.
3. Original certificate(s)
If you have changed your name before in Victoria, we ask you to return any previous change of name certificates 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.
There are other ways to prove your identity.
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). 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.
5. Proof of residence
You'll need to prove that you:
- Have the right to live in Australia
- Have been living in Victoria for at least the last 12 months
- Are known in the community.
You must provide one document for each requirement. At least one of these documents must state your place of birth.
Documents must be current (not expired).
a. Your 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:
- Utility accounts (for example, electricity, gas, water)
- Bank statements (must show Victorian transactions)
- Lease or tenancy agreement (joint name may be acceptable)
- Confirmation of enrolment in a Victorian tertiary institution
c. Identity known in the community
- 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.
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.
