How to register a Change of Name

Who can apply?

An adult can register a change of their name if:

• they are a resident of Tasmania (evidence of at least 12 months residence must be provided to establish this); or
• their birth is registered in Tasmania

Parents can register a change of name for their child if:

• the child is a resident of Tasmania (evidence of at least 12 months residence must be provided to establish this, unless the Registrar approves an exception); or
• the child's birth is registered in Tasmania
  Note:  Children between the age of 12 and 18 must also complete a consent form.

Any person born outside Tasmania must supply a birth certificate.  If born overseas you will also need to provide evidence of citizenship or permanent residency in Australia.

Can one parent apply to change a child's name?

Consent of both parents is required to change a child's name.  One parent can make application if they are the sole parent named in the registration of the child's birth.  Where a parent's whereabouts are unknown or they refuse to consent to the change of name, a Court Order approving the change of name is required.

Do I need to register a change of name when I marry?

Change of name at marriage is done as a matter of custom not law.  You can apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the State in which your marriage occurred for an official marriage certificate as evidence of a name change.

How do I register a change of name?

Applicants will need to:

• fill in an Application for Change of Name form - Adult (over 18 years) or Application for Change of Name form - Child (under 18 years)
  (Acrobat Reader is needed to open these forms - download free copy)
• pay the prescribed fee
• provide appropriate identification.  If your application is lodged by post photocopies of original documents must be certified as a "true and correct copy" by a Justice of the Peace or Registry Office staff.

Please note:  A child's consent is required if the child is aged 12 years and over.  A signed consent form must accompany the Statutory Declaration for Change of Name application.

Following registration of a change of name the applicant will receive a Change of Name Certificate.  If at a later date you need a replacement certificate application can be made by:

• completing a Change of Name Certificate application form
• providing appropriate identification
• paying the prescribed fee

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