Western Australian law requires certain steps to be completed before changing the legal first or last name of a child under the age of 18.

You can change your child’s name in Western Australia if:

• Your child was born in Western Australia
• The child was born overseas, but is a permanent resident or citizen that lives in Western Australia (and has done for the past 12 months)
• The child is under age 18
• The child has not had its name changed in the previous 12 months unless there are exceptional circumstances (unless reverting back to an immediate previous name)
• Both parents agree to the change of name
• You have a court order permitting the change without the other parent’s consent

The application process

• Certified identification documents will be required for both the parents and the child
• You can post the application or present it in person
• A fee is payable
• Once approved, a change of name certificate will be issued
• If you were born in WA, your original name remains on your birth certificate, with your new name as a notation
• If you want a new birth certificate, you can pay for one

There are different forms for children under 12 months of age and children over 12 months of age.

• Application form to change the name of a child within 12 months of their birth
• Application form to change the name of a child between the ages of 1 and 18

We can help.