If you believe there's an error on your change of name certificate, you can apply to have it corrected. There's no fee to do this.

You can only apply to correct your own change of name certificate, or your child's if they're under 18 years of age.

Generally, if the correction is for a child, either parent can apply.

Depending on the correction, evidence may need to be provided.

All corrections are subject to assessment.

Correcting a change of name certificate isn't the same as actually changing your name. See Change a name.

Apply now (External link)

What we need from you

We'll ask you for the following information during the application process:

1. Details of the person on the certificate

As a minimum, we ask for:

  • Given name and Family name
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth.

2. The original 'Change of name' certificate

We ask that you return the original birth certificate before we can issue a new corrected version.

If you don't have the original, you need to provide a Statutory Declaration (External link) explaining why you cannot surrender the original certificate. Learn more about how to digitise and upload documents.

You'll need to apply for a new birth certificate once we've corrected the birth record.

If the original birth certificate is returned, we issue a replacement certificate free of charge. If the original isn't returned, there is a fee for the new certificate.

3. Evidence to support the correction

The evidence we ask for depends on the correction you want to make. See Evidence required

For documents in a language other than English, provide an English translation by a qualified translator. Approved translators can be found at naati.com.au (External link) or by contacting Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 1450.

4. Proof of your identity

Acceptable documents

One of the easiest ways to prove your identity is by presenting your driver licence (if it confirms your residential address) and your Passport.

Example driver licenceExample passport

Alternatively, you can provide your driver licence, medicare card and bank card.

Example driver licenceExample Medicare cardExample bank card

Alternatively, there are other ways to prove your identity.

If you're applying for a child over 18, you'll also need to provide third-party authority.

Evidence required

The evidence listed below covers the most common correction requests. If you can't provide the evidence listed, send the best evidence you have available.

If we hold the evidence (for example, a birth certificate) you don't need to provide a copy of it.

Correction Acceptable evidence

Any name on the certificate

Provide evidence of correct name:

Australian born:

  • Birth certificate

Overseas born:

  • Birth certificate
  • Citizenship certificate or Australian visa.
Date or place of birth

Evidence of correct date or place of birth:

  • Australian birth certificate
  • Overseas birth certificate, or
  • Overseas passport.

Processing and delivery

How long will it take for a corrected certificate to be issued?

Processing start date Processing time Pick up/delivery
Date received

Full application
with proof of identity and evidence

  

20 working days

Standard processing

 Pickup
595 Collins Street
Melbourne

or

6 days
Australia post

Track the progress of your corrected certificate (External link)

Additional copies

If you applied for more than one copy of a certificate, each will be posted separately for security reasons, unless you asked for them to be sent by Registered or Express Post.

We'll post them all on the same day, but bear in mind that Australia Post may deliver them on different days.

Fees and payment

If the original birth or change of name certificate is returned If the original birth or change of name certificate IS NOT returned
No fee $33.80

The price of a standard birth certificate applies

Postage fees

Shipping fees cannot be refunded if you decide to collect your certificate(s) in person.

Postage - see Australia Post (External link) for product details Price

Australia

  
Registered post (recommended) $7.60
Standard post/Handling $1.00

Express post

Note: This is not a priority service fee - standard Turnaround times still apply.

 $8.00

Outside Australia

  
Airmail (Standard post) $3.80
Express Courier International $54.10

Check the Payment methods we accept.

Apply now (External link)