Changing your name

This page is all about legally updating your name on official identity documents and in systems. You don’t need to legally change your name to use a different name from the one on your ID or the first name you were given, or to use a nickname, and to request others to use it.

For more information about using a different name day-to-day, see our Names page.

This page was developed in collaboration with Equality Australia and ICLC. If you need further assistance, you can contact the Inner City Legal Centre who provide a state-wide free legal service for trans and gender diverse people and can advise on the name change process.

This page contains information for people who are aged 18 and above. Information for people who are under 18 years old is included here.

Birth certificates

A ‘change of name’ application is made to the NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages (BDM). The BDM website states that, you are eligible to have your name changed if:

  • you are not a restricted person, and

  • your birth is registered in NSW, or

    • you were born overseas and have been a resident in NSW for three consecutive years immediately prior to your application, or

    • your birth is not registered in NSW and a protection order has been made to protect you and/or your children from domestic violence.

This application relates to changes to any part of a legal name.

There are words that either cannot be registered as a name in NSW, or might be flagged by the BDM for you to provide more information about the word’s significance as a name. Find out more here.

You can also contact the BDM directly to check in about registering a particular name.

For more information about updating your birth certificate, go to this page.

Other forms of Government ID and change of name certificates

The process involved to update your name on other forms of government ID will vary depending on the government department, but most will require a ‘change of name’ certificate, or an updated birth certificate.

You are able to apply for a ‘change of name’ in person at a Service NSW Centre or by post to the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.

The fee for updating your name, including a certificate, is $195. Inner City Legal Centre can advise on the name change process, including the limited circumstances in which a fee waiver may be available. You can elect to receive an updated birth certificate or change of name certificate. Once completed, your new birth certificate or change of name certificate can be used to update every other institution such as banks, the Passport Office, Department of Immigration, Centrelink, the Australian Tax Office, Medicare, superannuation, etc.

Updating your name on other documents and places

Every workplace, educational institution, and organisation will have its own policies around the reissuing of ID and updating your name in their systems. Some require a statutory declaration confirming that you have affirmed your gender and updated your name, others will need an updated birth or change of name certificate.

You will need to make contact with the network of organisations and groups around you so they can update your personal file accordingly.

These may include:

  • Banks

  • Superannuation funds

  • Schools, universities and TAFE

  • Sports clubs and gyms

  • Community groups and centres

  • Health services

  • Your employer

  • Utilities, insurance and other bills

  • Your landlord or real estate agent

Some people will update their legal name and either update the gender marker listed on a birth certificate later, or never.

We have also prepared a letter you can use to update your name (preferred or legal) and pronouns with your HR department, admin office, or course coordinator.

Under 18s

You do not need to be over 18 to change the name on your ID. However, if you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to apply on your behalf to change the name recorded on most forms of ID. Changing the name on your birth certificate requires the consent of two parents or guardians, or a court order. If you need further assistance, you can also contact the Inner City Legal Centre who offer a state-wide free legal service for trans and gender diverse people.

Using your preferred name at school, sporting clubs, and other groups should not require parental permission or any documentation from a medical professional.