There is nothing stopping anyone taking on a new name without going through an official name change process. This is called name by association, and you are free to call yourself what you wish, regardless of what is noted on your birth certificate. Conducting day to day business, such as opening a bank account or getting a drivers license for example will be almost impossible in your assumed name if it is not legally recognized. The process for changing your name and getting a certificate that testifies to your new name (and therefore making your day to day business a lot easier!) is quite a simple and straight forward process that does not cost a lot.

Registration process

Effective 1 April 1996 the Registry assumed the administrative responsibility for registering all changes of name in NSW. All changes of name are registered in accordance with provisions contained in Part 5 of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995.

The Land Titles Office no longer registers Deeds Poll or Instruments Evidencing Change of Name.

A person is legally able to change his or her name. If a person alters their name or uses an additional or other name with the intention to act fraudulently or with an intention to deceive or in any other way which contravenes the law, they may be subject to criminal proceedings.

A person may use a new name without any formal steps. At common law, a person will not actually change his or her name until the person has used and become known by the new name. Under the Registry's legislation the name is changed once it is registered.

Occasions arise where a person will be asked to provide proof of change of name (for example as proof of identity or to obtain a passport). For these reasons a person may record their new name or alteration of their name by registering a Change of Name at the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The Six Recommended Steps to Changing Your Name

The below information is for standard name changes only. If you are changing your name as a result of marriage or divorce, the process will be different.

• See if you are eligible to change your name in your state / territory.
• Put careful consideration into your name change decision; ensure that you do really want to change your name, and what this new name will be.
• Print off an application to register a change of name form (included in the kit), complete it and have it witnessed if applicable.
• Collate the necessary identification documents.
• If you are applying by mail, arrange to have your identification documents certified.
• Post your application or attend the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to submit your application with the prescribed fee.
• Once you have received your Change of Name Certificate, start changing your name with organizations.

• Certificate of Criminal Record
• Filled out application form
• Application addressed to the Registrar
• Identity Card (original and photocopy)

Births, deaths and marriages registries

Any adult or child who has the right to reside in Australia on a permanent basis and who has not already changed their name within the past 12 months can change their name. Unless you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, you will need to apply to your state's Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages to change your name and each state requires that you were either born in that state or have been living in that state for at least 3 months (sometimes proof is required).

The fee of $174 includes the registration of the Change of Name and the issue of a Standard Certificate.

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Unless you are changing your name as a result of marriage or divorce, you can only change your name once every 12 months. Some states have rules about how many times you are allowed to change your name.

Deed polls are no longer used for changing names in Australia. Name changes are now administered by the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages in your state or territory.

• Your name as listed on birth certificate or immigration or citizenship documents.
• The full name you are applying to change to (if you are changing your name).
• Date and place of birth
• Marital status and details
• Places of residence for last three months
• Address for Correspondence

People choose to change their name for a variety of reasons. Maybe you just want to change the spelling of your name, you don't like the name your parents gave you, you want to get rid of your middle name, you want to remove any family associations, or maybe you just want a change! You can legally change your first name, middle name or surname, or any combination of those.

If you are applying to your state's Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages to change your name (that is, your name change is not related to marriage or divorce), your change of name application may be refused if:

• Your intended name is offensive, too long, includes symbols without phonetic significance or is contrary to the public interest;
• You cannot provide sufficient proof of identification;
• You have already changed your name within the past 12 months;
• You are not an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident;
• You are not a normal resident of the state you have applied in, or
• The authorities believe you may be engaging in fraudulent or illegal activities.

You may want to change your name because:

• You have just gotten married
• You have divorced
• You just want a change

Changing Your Name

NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

VIC Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

QLD Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

TAS Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

WA Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

SA Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

NT Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

ACT Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

A lot of newlyweds choose not to change their name at all. In this case, there is no need to formally notify anyone that you have been married and intend to keep your name.

Changing your name after gender re-assignment is exactly the same, however there are additional requirements for altering your recorded gender on your birth certificate and other records. This website does not cover gender change.