In most cases, both parents on the birth certificate need to complete the application. When you apply:
- Parent 1 completes their part
- Parent 1 attaches consent from the child, if applicable
If the child is 12 years or older, you can't change their name without their consent. Attach the child’s consent to your application. Learn more about how to digitise and upload documents
- We will email Parent 2 to complete their part.
If you can’t apply online, contact BDM and request a paper change of name form.
We'll ask you for the following:
1. About you and your child
At minimum, we'll ask you for:
- Your child's name, date of birth and place of birth
- Your name and address
- Name and address of the second parent (if applicable)
- A clear reason for the change of name
- Any previous names your child has been known by.
2. Child’s chosen name
- Chosen family name
- Chosen given name
- Chosen other given name(s).
Generally, we accept most names that parents choose for their child. However, both parents need to agree on the name and there are some names that aren't allowed. See Naming your child.
3. Any original certificates
Has your child has changed their name before in Victoria? If so, we ask you to return any previous change of name certificates for your child before we can issue a new one.
If you don't have the original, you need to provide a statutory declaration explaining why. Learn more about how to digitise and upload documents.
4. Proof of your identity
How to provide documents
Supply them to us:
If you send documents to us by mail, they must be certified copies.
- Don't send original identity documents by mail
- Don't send uncertified copies - we can't accept them.
Learn more about how to prove your identity.
General requirements for identity documents
Your documents must meet the following conditions:
Documents must be current (not expired). We accept Australian passports that are current or expired less than 3 years.
Documents must be certified copies. Check the list of people authorised to certify documents in Victoria (External link).
Documents must be in English. Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Learn more about the requirements for translated documents.
In addition, when combined, the documents must show:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- A photo of you
Which identity documents can I use?
Each parent must provide certified copies of at least one document from each list below:
- List 1 (commencement of identity)
- List 2 (use in the community)
List 1: Commencement of identity
- Australian passport – current or expired less than 3 years
- Australian birth certificate that is not handwritten
- Valid ImmiCard
- Foreign passport linked to a valid Australian visa
- Australian citizenship certificate
- DFAT-issued certificate or document of identity, or DFAT verification of residency status
List 2: Use in the community
- Documents from List 1 if not already provided as a List 1 document
- Australian driver licence or learner permit
- Medicare card
- Evidence of right to an Australian government benefit (Centrelink or Veteran’s Affairs)
- Photo identity card issued by an Australian government agency (Commonwealth, state or territory)
- Weapons or firearms licence showing signature and photo
- DFAT-issued United Nations Convention Travel Document
- DFAT-issued consular photo identity card
- Marriage certificate issued in Australia
- Australian Electoral Commission confirmation of enrolment
- Australian Taxation Office assessment notice
- Security guard or crowd control licence
- Rates notice from any local government in Australia
- Australian aviation or maritime security identification card
- Australian secondary or tertiary student identification
- Credit report
- Australian utility bill showing name and address (issued in the last 12 months)
- Australian private health insurance card
- Australian trade association card
- Keypass card issued by Australia Post
- Foreign government issued documents (e.g. driver licence)
5. Proof of your child’s identity
Your child’s overseas birth certificate is all you need.
You need to send us a certified copy (with certified translation if it isn't in English).
If you can’t provide this, please contact us.
6. Proof of parentage
One of the easiest ways to do this is with your child’s overseas birth certificate. For other options, refer to Proof of parentage tab.
7. Proof of residence
You'll need to prove that your child:
- Has the right to live in Australia
- Has been living in Victoria for most of the time in the last 12 months.
You must provide one document from each list below. At least one of the documents must state your child’s place of birth.
a. The child’s right to live in Australia
A document issued by the Department of Home Affairs, for example:
- Australian Citizenship Certificate
- Australian visa (with overseas passport)
- ImmiCard
- Document for Travel to Australia
b. Proof of living in Victoria
You must provide at least one of the documents below. Documents must cover at least the last 12 months:
- Confirmation of school, childcare or preschool attendance, such as:
- School reports
- Invoices for school, childcare or preschool fees
- Letter on school, childcare or preschool letterhead
- Centrelink family payment advice
- Health care statements
- Private health care statements.
If you can't provide any of the documents listed above, each parent must prove that they ordinarily live in Victoria. Joint (shared) documents are acceptable. Documents must cover at least the last 12 months.
- Australian Electoral Commission confirmation of enrolment
- Australian private health care statements
- Australian Taxation Office assessment notice
- Bond lodgement notice
- Infringement notices
- Insurance policy
- Letter from a treating doctor
- Letter from an employer
- Payslips
- Rates assessment notice
- Rental agreement
- Road-toll statement
- School reports
- Superannuation fund statement
- Utility accounts (for example, electricity, gas, water)
You only need to provide one of these documents once. If you’ve already provided a document as part of applying or proving your identity, you don’t need to provide it again.
When you apply, please take care to provide correct details.
Enter details exactly as you want them on the certificate. This includes spelling and capitalisation (e.g. Name).
Remember to review the sections before you submit.
You may have to pay to correct a mistake or get a replacement certificate. Additional wait times will apply.
