Fill in a change of name under 18 years application form

Use this application form to change your child's name if they are under 18 years old and they were born overseas and have lived in Queensland for the past 12 months (and currently live here).

Then you will need to print and sign your completed form before submitting it along with supporting documents to us.

Step 1—Complete this part online

1. Start by answering the question below—it should take you less than 15 minutes.
2. Choose how you would like to pay.
3. Review your details.
4. Read the email we send you to find out how to finalise your application.
5. Download and print the completed application form.

Step 2—Complete on paper and submit

6. Have another adult (18 or older) witness your signature(s) in the declaration section. This includes your child’s signature if they are aged 12 to 17.
7. Gather your proof of ID and supporting documents.
Proof of ID documents must be submitted by post with your signed application. When submitting by post, have your documents certified by a Justice of the Peace or another authorised person.
8. Submit your application form and supporting documents to us
1. by post to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, PO BOX 15188, CITY EAST  QLD  4002
2. in person by requesting an interview appointment at the Brisbane registry customer service centre at Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane.

Step 3—What next

9. If your application is approved, you will need to change your child's name everywhere they are registered in the community.

1. Can you change your child's name?

   1. Was your child’s birth registered overseas? *

      • Yes
      • No
   2. Has your child lived in Queensland for at least 12 months? * (If you chose 'Yes' above)

      • Yes
      • No
   3. Have you changed your child’s family name in Queensland in the last 12 months? * (If you chose 'Yes' above)

      • Yes
      • No
   4. If your child is 12 to 17, do they understand the meaning and implication of changing their name? * (If you chose 'No' above)

      • Yes/Not applicable
      • No
   5. Are you the child’s birth parent or legal guardian, or do you have legal authority? * (If you chose 'Yes/Not applicable' above)

      • Yes
      • No
   6. * I understand that if both parents are recorded on a child's birth certificate both need to sign this application form—unless I have Queensland Magistrates Court approval or I am the child's court-appointed legal guardian.
      
   7. Do you have all the proof you need for identification? * View the proof of ID you will need to show us for both parents and evidence of residency for your child (if born overseas).

      • Yes
      • No
   8. By using this online service and providing an email address and mobile number, I consent to the use of that email address and mobile number for the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) to provide information and for contact using SMS and email that relates to this application. I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that I have nominated a secure email address for RBDM to send correspondence to, and I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to ensure the security of that information after receiving it.
2. Fill in your application form Fill in the application before downloading and printing it.

   1. *

      I understand that as parents, we have the right to choose the first names and family name of our child. However, the Registrar-General may refuse to register a name that is a prohibited name.
   1. Child's name at birth

      These are the first names and family name on your child's birth certificate.

      1. First name *
      2. Middle name(s)
      3. Family name If your child doesn’t have a family name and only use the name above, enter n/a.*
   2. Child's new name

      If your application is approved, these are the first names and family name your child will use and will appear on their certificate. You will need to change their name everywhere they are registered in the community.
      1. First name *
      2. Middle name(s)
      3. Family name *
   3. Why do you want to change your child's name? * Give us detailed reasons for wanting to register a change to your child's name ('personal' or 'for passport' are not enough information).
   4. Previous change(s) to your child's name

      1. Has your child's name been changed before? *

         • Yes
         • No
      2. Other names your child has used
         (If you chose ‘Yes’ above)

         1. You will need to show us supporting documents for any other change of name for your child.
         2. When did your child's name change? * This will not be stated on your child’s change of name document (i.e. change of name certificate).
         3. How did your child's name change? * For example, family deed poll or change of name.
         If your child has assumed a name they use in the community that is different to the name on their birth certificate, speak to the organisations you deal with. We can’t change your child's name back to the name on their birth certificate, where both names are the same (i.e. Jane Doe to Jane Doe).
         4. Previous name

            1. First name *
            2. Middle name(s)
            3. Family name *
         5. Has the above name been entered in the Queensland Change of Name Register? *

            • Choose 'Yes' only if you have submitted a change of name application for your child with us before.
            • Yes
            • No
         6. For additional name changes for my child, I will provide the details on a statutory declaration.
   5. Mother's name As shown on your child's birth certificate.

      1. First name *
      2. Middle name(s)
      3. Family name * If the mother doesn’t have a family name and only uses the name above, enter n/a.
   6. Father or parent's name If there is no father or parent on your child's birth certificate enter n/a.

      1. First name *
      2. Middle name(s)
      3. Family name * If the father or parent doesn’t have a family name and only uses the name above, enter n/a.
   7. Other names parents or guardians have used

      1. Has a parent's or guardian's name changed since your child's birth? *

         • Yes
         • No
      2. Details of parent's or guardian's name change
         (If you chose 'Yes' above)

         1. You will need to show us supporting documents for any change of name since your child's birth.
         2. When did their name change? *
         3. How did their name change? * For example, change of name, deed poll, marriage.
         4. Previous name

            1. First name *
            2. Middle name(s)
            3. Family name * If the person doesn’t have a family name and only uses the name above, enter n/a.
         5. What is their relationship to your child? *

            • Mother
            • Father/parent
            • Guardian
         6. You will need to show us evidence of legal guardianship and a Queensland Magistrates Court order. Court approval may state that more than 1 parent/guardian must apply.
         7. Has another parent or guardian's name changed since your child's birth? *

            • Yes
            • No
      3. Details of other parent or guardian's name change (If you chose 'Yes' above)

         1. When did their name change? *
         2. How did their name change? * For example, change of name, deed poll, marriage, civil partnership.
         3. Previous name

            1. First name *
            2. Middle name(s)
            3. Family name * If the person doesn’t have a family name and only uses the name above, enter n/a.
         4. Relationship to the child *

            • Mother
            • Father/parent
            • Guardian
         5. You will need to show us evidence of legal guardianship and a Queensland Magistrates Court order. Court approval may state that more than 1 parent/guardian must apply.
   8. Is only one parent or a guardian applying to change the child's name? *

      • Yes
      • No
   9. Only one parent or guardian applying (If you chose ‘Yes’ above)

      1. If both parents are listed on your child's birth certificate, both parents need to apply. One listed parent will need a Queensland Magistrates Court approval to apply.
      2. Why is only one parent or guardian is applying? * For example, only one parent is on the birth certificate.
   10. Child's birth details

       1. 1. You will need to show us your child's birth certificate. If the original birth certificate is not in English, you must have it translated into English by an accredited translator.
          2. Place of birth As shown on your child's birth certificate.

             1. Town or city *
             2. Country *
          3. Date of birth As shown on your child's birth certificate. *
          4. I agree that if I have to provide other evidence of birth for my child, I will confirm my child's birth details on a statutory declaration.
          5. Has your child lived in Queensland for at least the last 12 months? *

             You will need to show us evidence that your child currently lives here and has lived in Queensland for 12 months before your application (or more).

             • Yes
             • No, you will need to lodge an application in the state your child normally lives in or wait until they have lived in Queensland for 12 months (or more)
          We can only change your child's name if you have been living in Queensland for 12 months before your application (or more). You can contact us if you need more information about this.
          
          

          Online: our general enquiry form.

          By phone: local call* 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

          International +61 7 3022 6100 (+10 hours UTC)

          (Phone lines are open Monday–Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm)

          *Costs may be higher from mobile phones and interstate.

          6. Is your child an Australian citizen? *

             • Yes
             • No
          7. Details as shown on citizenship (If you chose ‘Yes’ above)

             You will need to show us your child's citizenship certificate.

             1. Child's name (as shown on citizenship certificate)

                1. First name *
                2. Middle name(s)
                3. Family name * If your child doesn’t have a family name and only uses the name above, enter n/a.
             2. Date of birth If shown on your child's citizenship certificate.
             3. Place of birth If shown on your child's citizenship certificate.

                1. Town or city
                2. State or Province
                3. Country
   11. Who is applying (Applicant A)

       1. What is your relationship to the child? *

          • Mother
          • Father/parent
          • Guardian
       2. You will need to show us evidence of legal guardianship and a Queensland Magistrates Court order. Court approval may state that more than 1 parent/guardian must apply.
       3. Your current name (as shown on your proof of ID)

          1. First name *
          2. Middle name(s)
          3. Family name * If applicant A doesn’t have a family name and only uses the name above, enter n/a.
       4. Home address

          1. Address line 1 *
          2. Address line 2
          3. Address line 3
          4. 1. Town, city or suburb *
             2. State *
             3. Postcode *
          5. Country
       5. Is your postal address the same as your home address? *

          • Yes
          • No
       6. Postal details (If you chose ‘No’ above)

          1. Postal address

             1. Address line 1 *
             2. Address line 2
             3. Address line 3
             4. 1. Town, city or suburb *
                2. State *
                3. Postcode *
             5. Country
       7. Contact number (mobile preferred) *
       8. Email * We will send you your filled in application by email to this address.
       9. Confirm email *
       10. *I understand that the free certificate and any additional certificate ordered will be posted to Applicant A.
       11. Order details

           1. Proof of ID documents must be submitted with your signed application. When submitting your signed application by post, have your documents certified by a Justice of the Peace or another authorised person.
           Type of certificate
           1. Change of name certificates only provide some birth information, the new name and any previous change of name registered in Queensland by us. They are not proof of your child's birth details.
           2. What type of certificate would you like to order? * The application fee includes 1 free certificate.
           • Official change of name certificate
       12. Additional certificates There is a cost for each additional certificate to be paid when the application is made.

           • No additional certificate
           • 1 official change of name certificate ($54.40)
       13. Priority * Tick one option

           These timeframes start when we receive your required documents by post or at your interview appointment.

           • Urgent ($108.10)—processed in 3 business days (includes standard post).
           • Non-urgent (no additional fee)—average processing time is 10 business days.
       14. Type of post * Australia Post delivery timeframes

           • Registered post—within Australia ($5.55)
           • Express post—within Australia ($7.45)
           • Standard post (no charge)
           • International registered mail ($17.70)

           
           

           1. The total cost is:
           
           

   Ensure the safe delivery of your certificate

   You have changed the type of post. We value identity protection, so we recommend that you choose registered post to ensure the delivery of your certificate can be tracked and delivered to you securely within Australia.

   Important update

   Australia Post are suspending their express post guarantee of next-day delivery. Express post is still available and treated as a priority, but may not be delivered the next business day every time. Normal application processing timeframes still apply.

   Important information

   We value identity protection and you have chosen a more secure delivery outside Australia. However, be aware that international registered mail can’t be tracked, and signing is not available in every country.

   12. Who is applying (Applicant B)

       1. What is your relationship to the child? *

          • Mother
          • Father/parent
          • Guardian
       2. You will need to show us evidence of legal guardianship and a Queensland Magistrates Court order. Court approval may state that more than 1 parent/guardian must apply.
       3. Your current name (as shown on your proof of ID)

          1. First name *
          2. Middle name(s)
          3. Family name * If applicant B doesn’t have a family name and only uses the name above, enter n/a.
       4. Home address

          1. Address line 1 *
          2. Address line 2
          3. Address line 3
          4. 1. Town, city or suburb *
             2. State *
             3. Postcode *
          5. Country
       5. Is your postal address the same as your home address? *

          • Yes
          • No
       6. Postal details (If you chose ‘No’ above)

          1. Postal address

             1. Address line 1 *
             2. Address line 2
             3. Address line 3
             4. 1. Town, city or suburb *
                2. State *
                3. Postcode *
             5. Country
       7. Contact number (mobile preferred) *
       8. Email *
       9. Confirm email *
       10. *I understand that the free certificate and any additional certificate ordered will be posted to Applicant A, but that you may need to contact Applicant B also.
   13. How would you like to pay for your order? *

       • Online (MasterCard or Visa)
       • Bank or business account cheque, money order (Australian-drawn only) or cash
   14. Before I complete my application *

       I will check the details I have provided.
       I am aware of the refund policy—the fee I pay is to submit my application and for RBDM to review it.

       Remember

       You will need to submit your proof of ID, supporting documents and signed application along with payment (if not paying online) to us either:

       • •   by post
       • •   in person, by booking an appointment with us.

Don't use this form

You need to complete a different form if your child was born or adopted in Queensland.

Otherwise, see a list of interstate registry offices.

Don't use this form

We can only change your child's name if they have been living in Queensland for 12 months before your application (or more).

Otherwise, see a list of interstate registry offices.

You are not eligible

We can't change your child's family name more than once in 12 months.

Your child must understand and consent to the change of name

We can't process your application if your child doesn't understand the meaning and implication of the change of name. You can contact us if you need more information about this.

Online: our general enquiry form.

By phone: local call* 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

International +61 7 3022 6100 (+10 hours UTC)

(Phone lines are open Monday–Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm)

*Costs may be higher from mobile phones and interstate.

You are not eligible

We can't change your child's name until you have authority.

Learn more about this in our change of name policy.

You are not eligible

We can't change your child's name until you can prove your identity. You can contact us if you need more information about this.

Online: our general enquiry form.

By phone: local call* 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

International +61 7 3022 6100 (+10 hours UTC)

(Phone lines are open Monday–Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm)

*Costs may be higher from mobile phones and interstate.

Privacy notice
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General is collecting your personal information for the purpose of processing your application for change of name under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 2003. The information on this form may be provided to law enforcement agencies and to government and non-government agencies for verification of the data. Access to this information or a certificate may be granted to any person who has adequate reason to obtain it, or who meets the requirements of the access policy.