Legal Name Change

No matter how big or small your change, we’ll save you hours of mindless research and paperwork. Get your name change paperwork sorted now, no matter if you’ve already applied for a legal name change or if you’re still looking for the form.

How to legally change names

If your name change is not from marriage* or divorce, then apply for a legal name change with Births, Deaths and Marriages. (*unless married overseas.) 

Already applied? Then you’re ready to send off our notification forms now! Still looking for the right form or more information? We provide application details and any forms in all our name change kits, or browse our knowledge centre below!

Legal name change is a 2 part process 
A legal name change certificate (or amended birth certificate) can only be issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages. Once issued it’s your responsibility to notify all the necessary organisations. That’s where Easy Name Change saves you from a monster administration nightmare spanning weeks or months!

Check our legal name change knowledge centre below!

A legal name change can include changing the order or spelling of your given name/s, adding or dropping a name, changing your only your surname or making changes to all your names! The process is managed by Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). 

Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) are the only authority that can issue a legal name change.

Apply in the state where you were born. If born overseas, apply where you currently reside, but you must have resided in that state for the past 12 months (except NSW residents, who must have resided for 3 years).

Vic and NSW have online ordering and in most cases your identity documents can be digitally verified. All other states require  a form and certified identity documents to be mailed in. Learn how to apply and get the application form from your state BDM website or we can provide all the information as part of your complete name change kit!

Read: How do I legally change names?

Fees vary between states. Expect to pay from $131.50 (Vic) to $275.50 (SA). Each state charges a flat fee and only has the one name change application form, no matter how significant or minor your name change.

There may be a few other costs once your name change is granted. The most common is a new passport. Expect to pay under $20 each for the issuing of new licences where necessary, such as driving, high-risk work, blue card or yellow cards. Organisations do not charge a change of name unless a new credential needs to be issued.

Read: How much does it cost to change names?

Certificate turnaround times vary significantly between states. Qld has the shortest processing time of 1 to 3 weeks. Most states process applications in 6 to 8 weeks, but on occasion this can blow out to 12 weeks. Check your state BDM website for current processing times. Also allow time for mailing.

Easy Name Change customers typically get their name change notifications sent within a week. 

If you are managing your own name change notifications it can take weeks or months longer to get all your records changed over as you research processes and look for forms.

Read: How long does it take to change names? 

Getting your legal name change approved only half the work. It’s your responsibility to ensure all identification, accounts, memberships and records are changed over to your new legal name within a reasonable timeframe.

Easy Name Change saves WEEKS of research and mind-numbing paperwork with our ready-to-send name change notifications! Simply select your organisations from our database of hundreds. We auto-complete your forms, so they are ready to sign and send!

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Order Your Kit

Our kit suits all name change reasons!
Save 8 hours with our ready to send forms

CERTIFIED KIT

$ 169
  •  
  • Everything in the print & post kit, plus:
  • Consultation call
  • Identification J.P. certified
  • Registered mail for identification
  • Paperwork checked & lodged
  • Phone support
POPULAR

PRINTED & POSTED KIT

$ 79
  •  
  • Everything in the print at home kit, plus:
  • Documents printed and mailed to you
  • Matching envelopes
  • 3 x stamps
  • Handy folder
  •  

PRINT AT HOME KIT

$ 39
  •  
  • Ready to send forms & letters
  • Ready to forward emails
  • Personalised checklist & guide
  • Easy Name Change Guide
  • Email support
  • Money back guarantee

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INFORMATION HUB

Legal Name Change

You can be known by any name, but to get identification and records changed you need a certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages. Fees and turnaround times vary between states. Apply for your legal name change, then attach to our notifications and send!

Read how to legally change names

There are a few fees to get your name change complete. First there’s the application fee for Births, Deaths and Marriages. Most customers will have a fee to change over a small number of credentials, like passport and licence.

Read how much does it cost to change names?

If you’re entitled to permanently reside in Australia you can apply for a legal name change here. The form can be lengthy and the whole process can take from 1 to 4 months, depending on a few factors.

Reda name change for non-citizens. 

Name change for children happens for many reasons. All parties with parental responsibility need to agree to the change. Easy Name Change kits are not suitable for children as they have few organisations to notify following a name change.

Read how to change a child’s name

If you’re a NZ citizen residing in Australia then chances are you’ll need an Australian-issued legal name change certificate to get your records updated. You may apply for a NZ legal name change certificate but it is not always accepted in Australia.

Learn more about legal name change for New Zealanders