Change of Name FAQ

What can I do if a child's father will not consent to a change of name?

If the child is under 18 years of age and the natural father named on the child's birth registration will not give consent, you must obtain a court order through the Family Court which authorises the change of name.

When a court order is obtained you can make an application to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages for a Change of Name certificate. See How to register a child's change of name.

Can my family change their names on one application?

Parents and their children under the age of 18 years can apply together on the same form for the one application fee. Each person will receive their own Change of Name certificate.

Can I revert to the use of my maiden surname?

Yes, a married woman is entitled to revert to her maiden surname at any time. However, to avoid difficulties with obtaining recognition of use of your maiden name, registration of the change is recommended.

How does a change of name differ to an adoption?

A change of name only authorises a person to use another name. It does not alter the rights and obligations of the parents. Adoption creates a new birth record showing the adopting parents as the legal parents.

If I registered my change of name outside of Western Australia can I apply for my change of name certificate at the Perth Registry Office?

No, you must contact the Registry Office in the state, territory or country in which your change of name was registered. See BDM Interstate Locations for other Australian Registry Offices. See BDM Overseas Locations for some overseas contacts.

How do I apply for a replacement change of certificate?

If your change of name was registered in WA, you must provide the Registry with the following:

a completed application form
suitable identification
fee for the certificate.

For full details, see How do I change a name?.

Can I apply for another person’s replacement change of name certificate?

If the certificate relates to a person other than yourself and you do not qualify under the Registry's Change of Name Certificate Access Policy you must provide the written consent or authority from an authorised person. You must also provide identification for yourself and the person for whom you are acting.

For further details on applying for a certificate see Replacement Change of Name Certificate.

Do I need to provide identification when I apply for a replacement change of name certificate?

Yes. See identification requirements.

What is the cost of a replacement change of name certificate and what methods of payment are accepted?

See change of name fees for full details.

Can I apply for a replacement change of name certificate by phone, fax, email or online?

No, all applications must be made either in person or by mail. See Replacement Change of Name Certificate.

Where is the Perth Registry Office located?

Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
Department of the Attorney General
Level 10, 141 St Georges Terrace
PERTH WA 6000
Phone: 1300 305 021
Fax: (08) 9264 1599

PO Box 7720
Cloisters Square
PERTH WA 6850

What is the Perth Registry Office's hours of business?

8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

Can I apply for a Western Australian replacement change of name certificate at a court?

No. You must apply in person or by mail to the Perth Registry Office for a change of name replacement certificate for name changes registered since 31 January 1957. See Replacement Change of Name Certificate.

If the change of name was registered prior to this date, please contact Landgate.

Last Updated: 9-Mar-2009

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