Note a change of name in a birth or adoption register
If you have changed your name in another state or through another legal process (such as by deed poll), you can apply to note the change with us—if your birth or adoption was registered in Queensland and you have evidence of the change.
If you request an updated birth certificate, or you apply for a new birth certificate in the future, we will issue it showing both the name registered at your birth and your new name.
In most cases, you don't need to apply to change your name if you are changing your name after marriage, separation or divorce. Organisations will have different requirements for what proof they need and how you tell them, so you should contact them directly.
If you were born or adopted in another Australian state or territory, you need to apply to the interstate registry office.
Rules for noting your change of name
To note a change of name, you must:
- have been born or adopted in Queensland
- show evidence of your change of name
- not have changed your name in the last 12 months with us
- not have chosen a prohibited name.
Without court approval, only 1 change to a child’s first names may be noted before the child turns 18.
Documents you will need to provide
You must provide:
- certified proof of ID
- evidence of the change of name, such as a
- deed poll document
- change of name document from another state
- court order.
When applying by post, you will need to have copies of your proof of ID and supporting documents certified by a Justice of the Peace or another authorised person.
Your application will not be approved, if:
- you have not provided enough documentation to establish your identity
- the change of name appears to be for a fraudulent or other improper purpose
- the name you've chosen is a prohibited name.
Detailed rules and requirements are outlined in our change of name and prohibited names policies.
How to apply
To apply to note a change of name, you need to:
- Read and understand the rules above.
- Complete, download and print the note a change of name application form.
- Attach your certified proof of ID, change of name document(s) and the correct certified supporting documents, as required.
- Have another adult (18 or older) witness your signature on the declaration section of the application form.
- Pay the fee.
- Submit your application form, supporting documents and payment to us by post or in person.
Submit by post
Post your completed application form with your certified documents and payment to:
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST QLD 4002
Submit in person
Visit the Brisbane registry customer service centre at Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane and bring your completed application form, proof of ID and supporting documents.
Pay the fee
You will need to work out the total cost of your order and make sure you pay the correct amount. You can pay:
- at the customer service centre
- by EFTPOS or credit card
- with a business account cheque
- with a bank cheque
- with a money order
- through the mail
- within Australia
- by credit card
- with a business account cheque
- with a bank cheque
- with a money order
- from overseas
- by credit card.
We will accept cash at the customer service centre but prefer contactless payments such as EFTPOS or credit card.
We do not accept personal cheques or cheques issued from outside Australia (in any currency).
Make Australian-drawn cheques and money orders payable to 'Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages'.
Fill in the note a change of name application form
Application fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Change of name in birth or adoption register | $42.45 |
| Updated official birth certificate | $54.40 |
Postage fees
Standard postage is included in the price when you order a certificate to be sent by mail.
You can choose to have your certificate sent by express or registered post for a fee.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Express post | $7.45 |
| Registered post | $5.55 |
| International registered mail | $17.70 |
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 more securely within Australia.
International registered mail is used for overseas deliveries. However, this can’t be tracked and signing on delivery is only available in some countries.
Contact us
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.