How to legally change your name in Queensland

What is this resource?

This resource is for trans and gender diverse young people and their families in Queensland.

We answer some common questions about changing your name on formal documents, such as your:

• Birth certificate
• Federal documents: passport, Centrelink and Medicare records

What do I need to know to change my name on formal documents?

You must meet certain requirements to legally change your name in Queensland (Qld).

Applying to change your name on formal documents is different depending on whether the document you want to change is issued by a:

1. State or territory government organisation; or
2. Federal government organisation.

How to change the name on your birth certificate

Birth certificates are issued and regulated at a state and territory level. This means that the approach to changing the recorded name on your birth certificate will depend on the process used by that state or territory’s Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. These government agencies responsible for issuing and regulating birth certificates.

• Qld: Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages

Does Age Matter?

Yes. Young people over the age of 18 can make an application directly.

If you are under 18 years of age, your parents or guardians will need to make the application on your behalf.

What if I’m under 18?

If you are under 18, you will need to ask your parents to make the application.

As a young person under 18 years old, you can change your name on your birth certificate through an application made by your parents or guardians (it’s not possible for you to make an application to change your name by yourself until you are over 18 years old).

The application must be submitted in the state/territory that you were born in, or the one where you have lived for the most part immediately before you application.

If your parents are separated, one parent cannot change a child’s name unless they have:

• received consent from the other parent, or
• obtained a relevant court order approving the name change, or
• been granted sole parental responsibility by a court order.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible to change your name in Queensland, you need to:

• Have been born or adopted in Queensland, or
• If born or adopted overseas, have lived in the state for at least 12 months prior to the application.

If you were born in Australia in another state or territory, you must apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in that state or territory.

How do I apply? How does my parent or guardian apply?

You can apply by filling out the change of name application form attaching the necessary supporting documents (e.g. proof of identity) and paying the required feed.

If you are under 18, both parents must fill out the application form unless:

• There is only a sole parent named on your birth certificate,
• The other parent has passed away, or
• The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, or another Australian court or tribunal, has made an order approving the proposed name change on application by one parent.

If you have a guardian who has parental responsibility, they will need to fill out the application form. 

How do I change my name on federal government documents?

To change your name on federal documents like your passport, and Centrelink or Medicare records, you’ll need:

• an updated birth certificate that has your new name, or
• a change-of-name certificate, or
• a citizenship certificate.

You’ll need to provide these documents to the agency that looks after the relevant document or record you want to change.

This means you will need to have first successfully changed your name by applying to the SA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (or a legalised foreign equivalent). 

Where to get help and more information

Changing documents:

• If you are over 18, you can use this Change of Name Application form.
• If you are under 18, you can use this Change of Name Application form.
• The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website has information about changing your name on your passport.
• For information on how to change your name with Medicare website.
• The Australian Taxation Office website has more information about how to change your name.

Support

• Parents of Gender Diverse Children provides peer support nationally to parents and those parenting trans and gender diverse children. To access their resources or make an enquiry, visit their website.
• The Australian Transgender Support Association of Queensland offers a wide range of services to people with gender issues, their partners, family members and friends in Queensland. This includes assistance with change of name. To find out more 07 3843 5024.