How to legally change your name in Tasmania

Can I legally change my name? 

Yes, but there are requirements you need to meet. 

By reading this resource we hope you will get a better understanding of what’s involved with legally changing your name in Tasmania. 

What steps are involved with making a change?

The steps for applying to change your name on formal documents differs depending on whether the document you would like to change is issued by: 

1. a state or territory government organisation 

OR 

2. a federal government organisation 

See how you can change key documents below.  

Am I eligible to change my name in TAS? 

• You need to have been born in Tasmania and have a birth certificate; 
  OR 
• If born interstate, you need to have lived in Tasmania for more than 12 months 
  OR 
• If born overseas, you need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and have lived in Tasmania for more than 12 months. 

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

Please note that you may only change your name once in a 12-month period. 

How to change the name on my 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 government agency responsible for issuing and regulating birth certificates. 

In Tasmania, this is the TAS Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. 

Does Age Matter?

Yes. 

Young people 16 years and older can make an application directly. 

If you are under 16 years of age, both your parents or legal guardian(s) will need to make the application on your behalf.  

If you are between 12-16 years old and your parents or guardian(s) are applying to change your name on your behalf, then your parents or guardians are required to provide a signed consent form from you demonstrating that you consent to the application they are making to change your name.   

If you are under 16, you will need to ask your parents or guardian(s) to make the application. 

One parent cannot change a child’s name unless: 

• there is only one parent named on your birth certificate 
  OR 
• the other parent is deceased 
  OR 
• they obtain a court order approving the change of name. 

What is the application? 

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 fee through Births, Deaths & Marriages. This is the same process for requesting to register gender.   

To find the form, see ‘Where to Get Help and Information’ below. 

As to who fills out the application, see Does age matter? above. 

Other Tasmanian Government documents 

Once you have your change of name certificate, you can change other government documents, accounts and licences, such as your drivers’ licence, into your new name. 

For government documents, such as your drivers’ licence, you will need to complete an application form, send in any required evidence of your change of name (i.e., your change of name certificate) and pay the fee.  

All other independent companies (i.e., telecommunications providers and banks) will have their own processes for changing personal details and we recommend you speak with them directly about their requirements.  

How do I change my name on federal government documents? 

To change your name on federal government documents like your passport, and Services Australia records (including Centrelink or Medicare), you will need: 

• a reissued birth certificate that has your new name 

• change-of-name certificate 

•  a reissued citizenship certificate that has your new name. 

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

For your passport, the relevant agency is the Australian Passport Office.  

For Services Australia records, you may need to update your name with each service individually. For example, updating your name with Medicare may not automatically update your name with Centrelink or the Australian Taxation Office. 

This means that you will need to have first successfully changed your name by applying to the Tasmanian Births, Deaths & Marriages (or a legalised foreign equivalent). 

If you have changed your name while overseas, the requirements may vary. You can find more information on the websites for the Australian Passport Office, Medicare, the Australian Taxation Office or Centrelink (see links below).