Change your name
Part of the Name changes topic
You can legally change your 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 the name of an adult born or adopted in Queensland
- change the name of an adult born or adopted overseas but lived 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 an adult born or adopted in Queensland
Start the online form for an adult born or adopted outside Queensland
What you should know
There are rules about:
There are certain situations where you can apply for an exception to the rules.
If you were born or adopted in Queensland, you can choose to get:
- a new birth certificate with your updated name
- a change of name certificate or
- for an additional fee you can choose to get both.
If you were born or adopted overseas, you will get:
- a change of name certificate.
If your name change is approved you must update your name with organisations and on your official ID documents.
Who can use this service
| You can apply to change your name if: |
|---|
| Correct. you are over 18 |
| Correct. you were born or adopted in Queensland |
| Correct. you were born or adopted overseas, currently live in Queensland and have lived here for the past 12 months. |
| Don't use this service if: |
|---|
| Incorrect. you were born in another Australian state or territory Instead, apply in that state or territory. |
| Incorrect. you want to change your name following a relationship change Instead, read changing your name after marriage, separation or divorce. |
| Incorrect.you are under 18 Instead, get your parent to change a child's name. |
How to apply to change your 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 an adult born or adopted in Queensland
Start the online form for an adult born or adopted outside Queensland
PDF form
Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Download the PDF form to change a name for an adult
Step 4: Get a witness signature
An adult (18 or older) must witness your signature in 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 your change of name certificate
Once your application is approved we will post the certificate to you.
You can then update your name on ID documents and with organisations.
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 an adult born or adopted in Queensland
Start the online form for an adult born or adopted outside Queensland
PDF form
Print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Download the PDF form to change a name for an adult
Step 3: Get a witness signature
An adult (18 or older) must witness your signature in the declaration section of the form.
Step 4: Book an appointment
You must book an appointment to submit your application in person at the Brisbane registry.
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 by appointment:
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 your change of name certificate
Once your application is approved we will post the certificate to you.
You can then update your name on ID documents and with organisations.
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.
- Application fee (includes 1 official certificate): $212.80
- Extra 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
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Payments, refunds and financial hardship
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Find more in the Help centre
Managed by: Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages