If you want t legally change your name in Australia, it is obligatory that you submit a legal name change application with Births, Death and Marriages. Submitting a legal application for a name change is imperative if you want to change your full name, one name, or even the spelling or order of your name. Once the application is approved, you will receive a legal name change certificate or get an amended birth certificate if your birth was registered in the state. The cost and process involved in name change are the same, irrespective of whether you need to make big or small changes in it.
Candidates Eligible for a name change
Any Australian citizen or permanent resident who is above 18 years of age are eligible for a legal name change at Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). However, if you want to add your spouse name after marriage or wish to remove his name (divorce or otherwise), a legal name change is not required.
Where Should I Apply for a name change Application?
A name change application can be applied either in the state you were born or in the state where you are residing currently. If you reside in another state, you will provide proof that shows that you lived in your birth state for a minimum amount of years as specified to be eligible for a name change. However, if you were born overseas, proof of address will be required to be produced to be eligible to apply in the state where you currently reside. Listed below is a table that can help you with details the state in which you can file your application.
How long does the procedure of name change take and what are the costs?
If you purchase an Easy Name Change personalized Kit, you can have your name changed in most of your documents and paperwork within 6- 9 weeks. However, apart from buying Easy Name Changed Kit, you will also have to pay separate fees to the BDM. The name change cost varies from state to state. The application may cost between $50 to above $200 and is usually non- refundable. For additional information related to name change fees, check the Easy Name Change Guide (available with kits) or contact BDM.
Approximate time is taken to change the name legally
• Easy Name Change Kit is delivered via email (0 days). For delivery of premium kits (10- 15 working days may be required).
• To collect all the required information and apply a name change application (1-2 weeks).
• Name change certificate is mailed to applicants (4- 6 weeks).
• Easy name change notifications reach your listed organization and records are updated (1 week).
How can I inform companies about my new name?
When you get your name changed legally, it is highly recommended that start using it immediately and inform the organization about your new name. Generally, a person is required to notify about 20 companies of their new name. The state’s legal change application form can download in any of our kits. Apart from including suggestion regarding the completion of the form and application, the personalized kits also offer comprehensive name change procedures, ready to send faxes, letters, and forms for several companies. All you need to do is to sign, add documents listed below each notification and send. However, if your company does not permit a name change by writing, we offer complete procedures.
What to do if you have not applied as yet?
If you have not applied for a name change as yet, all you need to do is buy Easy Name Change Kit, download the application form and choose the companies you require to send the name change notifications. Select a date (about 6- 8 weeks) late; so that we send your name change certificate after it comes back from BDM.
Which state should the application be lodged?
If you reside in a state that is different from your birth state, you will provide evidence that proves that you lived in the state for at least three months before applying.
What if you are born overseas?
If you were born overseas, you will be required to prove that you have been a resident of your current residing state for a certain period, before applying.
Legal Name Change during Special Circumstances
If you and your children have a protection order to guard you against domestic violence, you will not be required to apply to fulfil birth state or residence requirements.
What is a Deed Poll?
A legal name change was incorrectly referred to as deed poll by many Australians. Until 1986, Australians who wanted a name change would apply for a deed poll outlined by a solicitor to the land. However, from 1986, any adult who wished for a name change was required to lodge a legal name application with their respective state BDM office.
