Changing your child’s first and/or last name legally in Queensland is subject to unique laws that exist only in Queensland. For example, you can’t change your child’s first name more than once (except in the first year of life).

You can change your child’s name in Queensland if:

• They are under 18
• If they are at least one year old (unless a special application is submitted)
• If their family name has not already been changed in the past 12 months
• If their first name has never been changed, or was only changed in the first year of their life
• If your child was born in Queensland
• If the child was born or adopted overseas, and has lived in Queensland for the past 12 months
• You don’t choose a prohibited name
• You provide a valid reason for the change – an explanation is required

Who can apply to change a child’s name in Queensland

• Both parents must sign the application form if they are listed on the birth certificate
• A single parent who is listed as the sole parent on the birth certificate
• A person authorised by the Queensland Magistrates Court via an order
• A single parent if the other parent is deceased (with a death certificate)

The new birth certificate
If your child was born or adopted in Queensland, you may choose whether the child’s new name appears on their birth certificate or not. If you choose to have their birth certificate reissued, their old name will appear on the back. If you choose not to have the new birth certificate issued, their birth certificate will state that a change of name has been registered, but it will not state the new name.

Changing the name of a child who is less than a year old
You can only change the name of your child if they were born or adopted in Queensland. This change is only allowed once.

Changing the name of an adopted child
If you are changing the name  of an adopted child, you need identification to  prove you are the child’s parents or guardian, any supporting documentation, the birth  or adoption certificate, citizenship papers, and proof of residency (such as a doctor’s record or a signed letter from a daycare operator). Any documents not in English must be translated by an accredited translator (see NAATI).

The application process
You can fill the application form out online for a child aged 1 – 18,  or the application form for a child less than one year old, print the completed form, and then have it witnessed as appropriate, then submit the form by post or in person. The form must be completed in its entirety.

You must provide identification documents and supporting documentation if required, such as a marriage certificate, deed polls, or change of birth name details.

A fee must be paid at submission. It takes about seven business days to process, however urgent processing can be done for a fee, within three working days.

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