How to register a child's change of name

Parents and legal guardians may wish to change their child's name for a variety of reasons. Visit Other methods to change a child's name for more information.

To register a change of name for your child, you need to apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The parent or legal guardian applying on behalf of a child must complete an Application to Register Change of Name form (BDM400 - see download below).

This form needs to be sent to the Registry with the appropriate fee and required documentation including identification documents.

All your children under 18 years of age may be included on the same application form and individual change of name certificates will be issued.

You can only change your child's name once in any 12 month period unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Who can apply?

Parents may apply to change their child's name on their behalf if their:

child was born in Western Australia
child’s birth was registered in Western Australia
child is a permanent resident of Australia and is domiciled or ordinarily resides in Western Australia
child is an Australian citizen and is domiciled or ordinarily resides in Western Australia.

Documentation

A birth certificate for children born in Western Australia is not necessary.
For children born interstate, a full birth certificate recording parent/s details is required.
For children born overseas, a full birth certificate recording parents' details is required. If the child now has Australian citizenship, the citizenship certificate is also required.
If born outside Western Australia, proof of residence must be provided by the parents.
Proof of any previously registered name change must be provided.
Photocopies of original documents will only be accepted if they are certified as a 'true and correct copy' by a Justice of the Peace or a solicitor.
Overseas documents must be translated into English by an accredited translator.

Important

Consent of both parents is required where details of the father are recorded on the birth certificate. Where details of the father are not recorded, only the mother's consent is required.
A court appointed legal guardian may also apply for a change of name, however consent of both parents is still required. A person/s claiming to be a legal guardian of a child must provide a court stamped copy of the court order granting them legal guardianship of the child. A custody order does not imply sole legal guardianship of a child.
Where a parent is deceased, proof of death must be provided and consent of the surviving parent is required.
Where a parent's whereabouts are unknown or he/she refuses to give consent to the change of name, a court order stating that it is in the child's best interests to have their name changed must be submitted with the application.
Children 12 years and over must sign the consent section of the application form.
Original documents must be shown if your application for change of name is lodged in person. If your application is lodged by post, photocopies of original documents are acceptable. Any photocopies must be certified as a ’true and correct copy’ by a Justice of the Peace or a solicitor. Overseas documents must be translated into English by an accredited translator.
Refer to instructions on page 1 of the BDM400 application before completing the form.
Print clearly. Symbols and abbreviations must not be used.
Initial all alterations and do not use correction fluid otherwise the form will not be accepted.
Faxed application forms will not be accepted.

How the change of name is registered

If your application is approved, you will receive a change of name certificate which authorises the use of your child's new name.

If your child was born in Western Australia, their original name will remain on the birth certificate and the new name will also appear on the certificate as a notation. An amended birth certificate can be obtained on payment of an additional fee.

If your child was born interstate, the Registry will notify the birth state of the name change.

Name changes may be notified to other organisations such as the police department, passport office, Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs etc.

Court orders approving a change of name

Where the parent of a child cannot obtain the consent of the other parent named in the child's birth certificate, a court order from the Family Court stating that it is in the child's best interests to have their name changed must be obtained before the Registry can register a change of name for the child.

A parent may apply for a court order by contacting the Family Court or obtaining legal advice. Where a court order has been obtained, it must be submitted with the application to the Registrar for the name of the child to be changed.

Last Updated: 9-Mar-2009

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BDM400 - Application to Register Change of Name

BDM400 - Application to Register Change of Name

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