Change your child's name
Part of the Name changes topic
You can legally change your child's name in Queensland. Apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriage and pay a fee.
On this page
In short
You can use this service to:
- change a baby's first name born or adopted in Queensland and who is not yet 12 months
- change a child's name born or adopted in Queensland
- change a child's name born or adopted overseas but living in Queensland for the last 12 months.
You must submit your completed application form, ID and supporting documents by post or in person.
Start the online form for baby's first name
Start the online form for child born or adopted in Queensland
Start the online form for child born or adopted outside Queensland
What you should know
In most cases, both parents must agree to change a child's name.
If your child is 12 or older, they must also agree to the name change.
You can change your child's first name before their first birthday if they were born in Queensland. You can only do this once. You can choose to get a new birth certificate with their updated name for an additional fee.
There are rules about:
There are certain situations where you can apply for an exception to the rules.
If your baby or child was born or adopted in Queensland, you can choose to get:
- a new birth certificate with their updated name
- a change of name certificate or
- for an additional fee you can choose to get both.
If your child was born or adopted overseas, you will get:
- a change of name certificate.
If the name change is approved, you will need to change your child's name everywhere they are registered in the community.
Who can use this service
| You can apply to change a child's name if: |
|---|
Correct. you are either
|
| Correct. your child was born or adopted in Queensland |
| Correct. your child was born or adopted overseas, and has lived in Queensland for the last 12 months. |
| Don't use this service if: |
|---|
| Incorrect. the child was born or adopted in another Australian state or territory Instead, apply in that state or territory. |
| Incorrect. the child is over 18 Instead, the person should apply to change your name. |
How to apply to change your child's name
Choose how to submit and follow the steps.
Step 1: Gather your documents
Proof of identity
You need to gather 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) documents including proof of home address.
See Proof of identity documents.
Supporting documents
You may need to provide documents to support your application.
See Supporting documents for other Registry services.
Translating documents
If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated.
Step 2: Certify copies of your documents
You must get copies of your ID documents and supporting documents certified by an authorised person.
See Getting documents certified.
Step 3: Choose the application form
Online form
Complete the online form and pay the fee. Print the receipt and the form.
Start the online form for change baby's first name
Start the online form for child born or adopted in Queensland
Start the online form for child born or adopted outside Queensland
PDF form
Print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Download the PDF form for change baby's first name
Download the PDF for a change of name for a child
Step 4: Get a witness signature
An adult (18 or older) must witness both parents' signatures on the declaration section of the form.
Step 5: Submit your application
Post to
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST QLD 4002
Include your:
- completed application form
- receipt of online payment or payment method on the PDF form
- certified copies of ID and supporting documents.
Step 6: Receive the certificate
Once your application is approved we will post the certificate to you.
You can then update your child’s name in the community.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don't meet the rules
- don't include the right documents.
You will not receive a refund if:
- your application is refused
- you cancel it after we have reviewed it.
Step 1: Gather your documents
Proof of identity
You need to gather 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) documents including proof of home address.
See Proof of identity documents.
Supporting documents
You may need to provide documents to support your application.
See Supporting documents for other Registry services.
Translating documents
If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated.
Step 2: Choose the application form
Online form
Complete the online form and pay the fee. Print the receipt and the form.
Start the online form for change baby's first name
Start the online form for child born or adopted in Queensland
Start the online form for child born or adopted outside Queensland
PDF form
Print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Download the PDF form for change baby's first name
Download the PDF for a change of name for a child
Step 3: Get a witness signature
An adult (18 or older) must witness both parents' signatures on the declaration section of the form.
Step 4: Book an appointment
To change a child's name you must book an appointment to submit your application in person at the Brisbane registry.
You don't need to book an appointment to change a baby's name. You can submit your application any time during business hours.
Book the appointment online
The Department of Justice, Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages is collecting your personal information for the purpose of facilitating your appointment booking online and for contacting you in relation to your booking. Your personal information will not be used or disclosed for any other purpose unless authorised or required by law. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the provisions of the Information Privacy Act 2009.
Book the appointment by phone
Local call* 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or international +61 7 3022 6100 (+10 hours UTC)—phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm.
Step 5: Submit your application
Submit your application in person at:
Brisbane registry customer service centre
Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.
Closed public holidays.
Bring with you:
- completed application form
- receipt of online payment or payment method on the PDF form
- certified copies of ID and supporting documents.
Step 6: Receive the certificate
Once your application is approved we will post the certificate to you.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don't meet the rules
- don't include the right documents.
You will not receive a refund if:
- your application is refused
- you cancel it after we have reviewed it.
How long it takes
Processing times start when an application with all required documents and payment has been received.
Standard application: up to 10 business days
Urgent application: within 3 business days (extra fee applies)
Applications missing any required information or documents, or if you are applying for an exception to a rule, will take longer.
Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.
How much it costs
The fee you pay is for you to submit your application and for the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to review it.
- Change of first name within first 12 months of birth application fee: $25.30
- Change of name application fee (includes 1 official certificate): $212.80
- Certificate: $56.20
- Urgent application: $111.80
Regular postage is free.
You can choose other delivery types:
- Registered post (recommended): $8.10
- Express post: $8.55
- International registered mail: $18.55
From the Help centre
Find answers to frequently asked questions about services, including:
Payments, refunds and financial hardship
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Find more in the Help centre
Managed by: Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages