Changing your Name

Birth Certificates in NSW

In general, anyone has the right to change their name if they wish, including trans and gender diverse folk.

Most of the time, if you were born or had your adoption registered in NSW, you will have to go to the NSW Births Deaths and Marriages Registry. At the Registry you can change your name on your Birth Certificate or to get another type of change of name certificate. You can change the spelling, your first, last or middle names.

You can choose to have your name amended on your Birth Certificate (it will note your previous name on the back) or choose to receive a Change of Name Certificate (it will note both your previous and new names).

The application form will ask you to provide a reason for the change of name. They ask this to ensure it is not for a fraudulent or improper purpose. You can keep it simple to something like “I am transgender, and I go by this name by friends and family”. If you would prefer to not disclose that you are trans, you could just say “this is the name I use in my daily life.”

In NSW, you can usually only change your name once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime.

Additional Steps

In NSW if you are born overseas and have lived in NSW for the 3 years prior to applying, you can also have your name changed. You do not have to be a Permanent Resident or Citizen. In this case, you will need to provide evidence that you have been living here. You will receive a Change of Name Certificate (instead of a Birth Certificate).

In NSW, if you are a restricted person, you must get written permission from the supervising authority before you apply. A restricted person includes someone under the supervision of Corrective Services, Police or the Mental Health Review Tribunal – e.g. on parole, bail or another form of registration or supervision. It is an offence to even apply for a change of name without first receiving this permission. If you think you might be a restricted person, seek legal advice.

There are also exceptions for people born overseas or in a different State or Territory of Australia, who need to have their name changed – for example for protection, due to experiences of domestic violence or stalking, or other special circumstances.

You must be 18 years old to change your name. If you are under 18 years old, your parents/guardians must apply on your behalf. This will typically mean everyone with parental responsibility or everyone who is listed on your birth certificate.

Steps to take:

• Fill in the form
  • We recommend doing so online, but you can also do the paper form and post your application
• Provide your identification documents
  • You will need to provide a number of documents as per the prescribed list. (for example, a passport, driver’s license and Medicare card).
  • If you apply online, you can have your identity verified online. If you apply by post, you will have to include certified copies of your identity documents in the envelope. You could also go in person with your original identity documents and application form.
• Return the original NSW birth certificate (or declare that it’s lost, etc.)
• On the application form, consent to a police check being done (or make alternative arrangements)
• If you were born overseas, provide evidence that you have been living in NSW for the last 3 years.
• If you a restricted person, or are applying under a special exception, provide any additional evidence required.
• Pay the fee (don’t forget to check if you are eligible for a waiver)
  • In STATE you can apply for both the sex/gender marker change and name change in the same application.
• Wait until the Registry contact you again and post your new certificate to you.

Driver’s Licenses in NSW

The following section relies on Departmental procedure and policy – which can be subject to change at any time. If you feel that the process to change your gender marker on your driver’s license has been affected by discrimination, please seek legal advice.

Transport for NSW is the authority that issues drivers’ licenses, NSW Photo Card or Mobility Parking Scheme permits in NSW. They display your full legal name.

To change your name on your driver’s license, you will need to visit a Service NSW office in person. (You can also ask they update your E-Toll account as well, if you have one).

It is an offence if you hold a driver’s licence and do not update Service NSW of your new legal name within 14 days. You have to do this yourself – generally Births Deaths Marriages Registries do not update other government departments for you.

You will need to bring with you the following original documents (not photocopies):

• Your current driver license (or NSW Photo ID Card), so you can return it.
• Proof of your identity (so they know you are who you say you are), by providing a NSW Driver’s License or Photo ID Card that is current or has expired within the last 2 years OR two forms of other ID (see here for the full List).
• Original ‘change of name document’. This could include either:
  • change of name certificate
  • birth certificate showing your name at birth and your new name
• If you want a new card with your new name on it, you should fill out the ‘Form 1018 Replacement Application’. You will have to pay extra for the new card.
• If you just want to update your name but not use a drivers license/NSW Photo ID Card, you can fill in ‘Form 1021 Change of Records’. You will not need to pay a fee.

At Service NSW Centres, you can ask to speak to a staff member who is identified as LGBQTIA+ friendly/competent. You can change your gender marker at the same.

You may be able to get the fee waived if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or some kinds of Veterans card.

If you are a trans or non-binary person living in NSW, you can contact the ICLC on (02) 9332 1966 for specific advice on updating your legal name.

Birth Certificates in Victoria

In general, anyone has the right to change their name if they wish, including transgender and gender diverse folk.

Most of the time, if you were born or had your adoption registered in Victoria, you will have to go to the Victorian Births Deaths and Marriages Registry. At the Registry you can change your name on your Birth Certificate or to get another type of change of name certificate. You can change the spelling, your first, last or middle names.

If you were born in Victoria, you will get an amended Birth Certificate (it will note your previous name on the back). Otherwise, you will receive a Change of Name Certificate (it will note both your previous and new names).

The application form will ask you to provide a reason for the change of name. They ask this to ensure it is not for a fraudulent or improper purpose. You can keep it simple to something like “I am transgender, and I go by this name by friends and family”. You don’t even need to disclose that you are transgender if you do not want to, you could just say “This is the name I use in daily life”.

In Victoria, you can usually only change your name once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime.

Additional Steps

In Victoria if you are born overseas and have lived in Victoria for the 12 months prior to applying, you can also have your name changed. You do not have to be a Permanent Resident or Citizen. In this case, you will need to provide evidence that you have been living here. You will receive a Change of Name Certificate (instead of a Birth Certificate).

In Victoria special rules apply if you (or your parent if under 18) are in youth justice detention, prison, on parole or subject to another form of serious supervision. In this case, you must get written permission from the supervising authority before you apply. It is an offence to even apply for a change of name without first receiving this permission.

There are also exceptions for people born overseas or in a different State or Territory of Australia, and have not lived in Victoria for 12 months, who need to have their name changed for their protection.

In Victoria you can also change your gender marker at the same time in the same form. This can save you money on the application fee.

You must be 18 years old to change your name. If you are under 18 years old, your parents/guardians must apply on your behalf. This will typically mean everyone who is listed on your birth certificate, or as in a Court Order. If you are between 12 – 18 years old, you should also provide your consent.

Steps to take:

• Fill in the form
  • We recommend doing so online.
• Provide your identification documents
  • You will need to provide a number of documents as per the prescribed list (for example, a passport, driver’s license and Medicare card).
  • You can verify your identity online when you complete the form online. Alternatively, you will have to make certified copies of your identity documents, and lodge them with your online application.
• Return the original Victorian birth certificate (or declare that it’s lost, etc.)
• You may be asked to provide an extra full credit report.
• If you were born overseas, provide evidence that you have been living in Victoria for the last 12 months.
• If you are applying under a special exception, or are in youth justice detention, prison, on parole or subject to another form of serious supervision, provide the additional evidence required.
• Pay the fee (don’t forget to check if you are eligible for a waiver)
• Wait until the Registry contact you again and post your new certificate to you.

Driver’s Licenses in Victoria

You can change your name on your drivers license or learners permit with VicRoads in Victoria. You can change your gender marker at the same.

If you have changed your name you must notify VicRoads within 14 days to update your driver licence and vehicle registration records.

It is free to change your name and get a new drivers license with your new name at VicRoads.

If you wish to change your name, this will need to be after a legal name change with the authority your birth was registered with e.g. Births, Deaths and Marriage’s Registry Victoria.

You will need to do the following:

• Download & complete a Change of Personal Details form from VicRoads, this needs to be printed out.
• Visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre in person (you do not need to book an appointment) with the required documentation to show legal change of name.
• Your current driver license, so you can return it.
• Bring proof of your identity (so they know you are who you say you are), by providing documents listed here (e.g. a passport, bank card and a document showing your address such as a recent tax or utility bill statement.
• Bring an original ‘change of name document’. This could include:
  • change of name certificate
  • birth certificate showing your name at birth and your new name, or
  • some kinds of change of name certificates issued overseas

A new photo will be taken to update your license with your current likeness. They will keep your old license card and issue you with a temporary paper license and a new license card will be posted to you.

Birth Certificates in WA

In general, anyone has the right to change their name if they wish, including trans and gender diverse folk.

Most of the time, if you were born or had your adoption registered in WA, you will have to go to the WA Births Deaths and Marriages Registry. At the Registry you can change your name on your Birth Certificate or to get another type of change of name certificate. You can change the spelling, your first, last or middle names.

There are some restrictions on what you can change your name to. This includes names that could be offensive, too long or confusing (Drugs, InsertNameHere, or swear words), names that include symbols and non-alphabet icons or names that could be confused for a title (Prime Minister, K.I.N.G., 87!#, Doctor).

The application form will ask you to provide a detailed reason for the change of name. They ask this to ensure it is not for a fraudulent or improper purpose. You can keep it simple to something like “I am transgender, and I go by this name by friends and family, and this name affirms my gender identity”.

In WA, you can usually only change your name once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime.

Additional Steps

In WA you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and have lived in WA for 12 months. If you can’t meet these criteria, please seek legal advice or contact the registry about applying for an exception. In this case, you will receive a Change of Name Certificate (instead of a Birth Certificate).

If you were born in a different state or territory of Australia and need to change your name to protect you from domestic violence, or have other special circumstances, please seek legal advice or contact the registry about applying for an exception.

In WA, if you are a restricted person, you must get written permission from the supervising authority before you apply. A restricted person can be someone under the supervision of Corrective Services, Police or similar – e.g. on parole, bail, juvenile detention, or another form of registration or supervision. It is an offence to even apply for a change of name without first receiving this permission.

You must be 18 years old to change your name. If you are under 18 years old, your parents/guardians must apply on your behalf. This will typically mean everyone with parental responsibility or everyone who is listed on your birth certificate, otherwise they will have to seek a Court Order. Usually if you are over 12 years old, you must also consent to the change.

Steps to take:

• Fill in the form
  • You must lodge the application by post, or in person at the Perth office.
• Provide your identification documents
  • You will need to provide a number of documents as per the prescribed list. (for example, a Driver’s license, a recent utility bill and Medicare card).
  • You can either bring in your original Identity Documents to the Perth Registry office or provide copies (not originals) of your identity documents and post them along with your paper application.
• Return the original WA birth certificate (or declare that it’s lost, etc.)
• On the application form, consent to a police check being done (or make alternative arrangements)
• If you were born overseas, provide 2x evidence that you have been living in WA for the last 12 months (utility bills, lease, school enrolment, etc.)
• If you a restricted person, or are applying under a special exception, provide any additional evidence required.
• Pay the fee (don’t forget to check if you are eligible for a waiver)
• Wait until the Registry contact you again and post your new certificate to you.

Driver’s Licenses in WA

The following section relies on Departmental procedure and policy – which can be subject to change at any time. If you feel that the process to change your gender marker on your driver’s license has been affected by discrimination, please seek legal advice.

The WA Department of Transport is the authority that issues drivers’ licenses and WA Photo Cards in WA. Licenses display your full legal name.

To change your name on your driver’s license, you will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services centre, DoT regional office or agent in person.

You will need to bring with you the following original documents (not photocopies):

• Your current driver license, so you can return it.
• Proof of your identity (so they know you are who you say you are),
  • For example driver’s license and a bank card, see here for the full list).
• Original change of name documents. This could include:
  • change of name certificate
  • birth certificate showing your name at birth and your new name
• A completed Form C4

If you want a new card with your new name on it, you will have to pay extra for the new card.

If you just want to update your name but not use a driver’s license you will not need to pay a fee.

You can change your gender marker at the same.

You may be able to get the fee waived if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or some kinds of Veterans card.

It is an offence if you hold a driver’s licence and do not update WA Department of Transport of your new legal name within 21 days. You have to do this yourself – generally Births Deaths Marriages Registries do not update other government departments for you.

Birth Certificates in the Northern Territory

In general, anyone has the right to change their name if they wish, including transgender and gender diverse folk.

Most of the time, if you were born or had your adoption registered in Northern Territory (NT), you will have to go to the NT Births Deaths and Marriages Registry. At the Registry you can change your name on your Birth Certificate or to get another type of change of name certificate. You can change the spelling, your first, last or middle names.

There are some restrictions on what you can change your name to. This includes names that could be offensive, too long or confusing (Methamphetamine, NoName, or swear words), names that include symbols and non-alphabet icons or names that could be confused for a title (K.I.N.G, $$69, Prime Minister, Doctor).

The application form will ask you to provide a detailed reason for the change of name. They ask this to ensure it is not for a fraudulent or improper purpose. You can keep it simple to something like “I am transgender, and I go by this name with friends and family, and this new name affirms my gender”. The form also allows you to attach support evidence if you wish (e.g. a letter from a parent, teacher, doctor, etc.)

In NT, you can only change your name once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime.

Additional Steps

In NT if you are born overseas and have lived in NT for the 12 months prior to applying, you can also have your name changed. In this case, you will need to provide evidence that you have been living here. You will receive a Change of Name Certificate (instead of an amended Birth Certificate). If you are not a Permanent Resident or Citizen please seek legal advice or contact the Registry about applying.

If you have obligations under a sex offender registry, or child protection registry, you should seek legal advice about your obligations before applying for a change of name.

There are also exceptions for people born overseas or in a different State or Territory of Australia and have not lived in Northern Territory for 12 months, who need to have their name changed for their protection from domestic violence.

You must be 18 years old to change your name. If you are under 18 years old, your parents/guardians must apply on your behalf. This will typically mean everyone who is listed on your birth certificate, or as in a Court Order. If you are over 14 years old or considered ‘mature’ your consent is also required.

Steps to take:

• Fill in the form
• Provide your identification documents
  • You will need to provide a number of documents as per the prescribed list (for example, a birth certificate, driver’s license and Medicare card).
  • You can either bring in your original Identity Documents to a Registry Office, or you will have to make certified copies of your identity documents and post them along with your paper application.
• You must disclose any criminal convictions.
• Return the original NT birth certificate (or declare that it’s lost, etc.)
• If you were born overseas, provide evidence that you have been living in NT for the last 12 months.
• Sign the application form in front of a witness (who is at least 18 years old)
• Pay the fee (don’t forget to check if you are eligible for a waiver)
• Wait until the Registry contact you again and post your new certificate to you.

After you have applied, in some cases, the Registry may ask you to complete a Police Check.

Tip: If you’re changing your name AND the gender marker on your birth certificate, you can do both at once! Don’t submit the Change of Name form first, because you’ll have to wait for that to go through before you can do your Change of Gender Marker form. Instead, just send in the Change of Gender Marker form, say “yes” to the question about changing your name, and attach your completed Change of Name form right to the same application!

Driver’s Licenses in the Northern Territory

The following section relies on Departmental procedure and policy – which can be subject to change at any time. If you feel that the process to change your gender marker on your driver’s license has been affected by discrimination, please seek legal advice.

Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) is the authority that issues drivers’ licenses in NT. They display your full legal name.

To change your name on your drivers license, you will need to visit a MVR office in person.

It is an offence if you hold a driver’s licence and do not update MVR of your new legal name within 14 days. You have to do this yourself – generally Births Deaths Marriages Registries do not update other government departments for you.

Tip: If your driver license from another state is in an old name and you want to get a license in the Northern Territory, start by transferring it using that old name. Once you have your NT license, you can then update it to your new name.

You will need to bring with you the following original documents (not photocopies):

• Your current drivers license, so you can return it.
• Proof of your identity (so they know you are who you say you are), by providing the documents listed here (e.g. a Medicare Card, Driver’s License and Bank card).
• Original ‘change of name document’. This could be a change of name certificate or birth certificate from an Australian Births Deaths Marriages Registry
• You will usually not need to pay a fee.

Birth Certificates in South Australia

Trans and gender diverse folk in South Australia (SA) generally have the right to change their name. At Consumer and Business Services (CBS) you can change your name on your Birth Certificate or to get another type of change of name certificate.

In SA, you can only change your name once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime.

Additional Steps

If you were born overseas you can apply for a Change of Name Certificate. You will have to have lived in SA for 12 months and provide evidence of this (e.g. utility bills). If you are not a permanent resident or citizen, seek further legal advice.

If you haven’t lived in SA for the last 12 months, you can still apply if you need to change your name for your protection.

In SA if you are a serious sex or violent offender, prisoner, parolee or similar you must get written permission from a supervising authority before you apply (e.g. Correctional Services). It is an offence to even apply for a change of name without first receiving this permission.

You must be 18 years old to change your name. If you are under 18 years old, all parents agree to the application. Alternatively, if one parent disagrees, you can get an order from the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. If you are under guardianship, different steps are required. All children who can understand, must provide their consent.

Steps to take:

• Fill in the form (you can do so online)
• Receive an email from the Registry:
  • Sign the emailed Statutory Declaration in front of an authorised witness.
• Send the Registry certified copies of your identity documents.
• If you were born overseas, provide evidence that you have been living in SA for the last 12 months (utility bills, lease, school enrolment, etc.)
• If you are a serious offender, prisoner or similar, provide any additional evidence required.
• Pay the fee (don’t forget to check if you are eligible for a waiver)
• Wait until the Registry contact you again and post your new certificate to you.

If you apply to change your sex marker, you can also apply to change your name at the same time and save money. Some government agencies or licenses may require you to tell them about the update.

Driver’s Licenses in South Australia

The following section relies on Departmental procedure and policy – which can be subject to change at any time. If you feel that the process to change your gender marker on your driver’s license has been affected by discrimination, please seek legal advice.

After you have changed your legal name (e.g. with the Births Deaths and Marriages Registry), you can update your name on your driver’s license.

When you update your name with SAGOV it will be changed on your driver and boat licenses and registrations and proof of age card. They display your full legal name.

To change your name on your driver’s license, you will need to visit a SAGOV centre in person.

It is an offence if you hold a driver’s licence and do not update SAGOV of your new legal name within 14 days. You have to do this yourself – generally Births Deaths Marriages Registries do not update other government departments for you.

You will need to bring with you the following original documents (not photocopies):

• Your current driver license, so you can return it.
• Proof of your identity (so they know you are who you say you are), by bringing original documents, such as Photo ID Card, Medicare Card and Passport) (or see here for the full list).
  • Alternatively you could complete a non-standard evidence of identity verification form
• Complete ‘Form MR41 Advice of change of name/address’.
• Original ‘change of name document’. This could include either:
  • change of name certificate
  • birth certificate showing your name at birth and your new name
  • ImmiCard with old and new name listed

If you want a new card with your new name on it, you will have to pay for the new card. If your license or permit is about to expire, you can choose to renew instead. If you renew your license or permit, you will only pay the normal renewal fee.

At Service NSW Centres, you can ask to speak to a staff member who is identified as LGBQTIA+ friendly/competent. You can change your gender marker at the same.

You may be able to get discount if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, some kinds of Veterans card, or if you live/drive in ‘outer areas’ (like Coober Pedy or Kangaroo Island).

Birth Certificates in Tasmania

In general, in Tasmania anyone over the age of 16 years has the right to change their name if they wish, including trans and gender diverse folk.

If you were born or had your adoption registered in Tasmania, or have been living in Tasmania for the last 12 months, you may be able to register a change of name with the Tasmanian Births Deaths and Marriages Registry.

If you have a Tasmania Birth Certificate, you can have your new name on the Certificate. There are many options for certificates – including with or without previous names or gender markers. Consider your need to link your old identity documents to your new identity document when you choose what type of certificates you want.

If you were not born in Tasmania, you can get a Certificate for your change of name. If you were born interstate, you will have to contact the Registry in the state or territory you were born in to have the change updated on your birth certificate.

You can change the spelling, your first, last or middle names.

The application form will ask you to provide a reason for the change of name. They ask this to ensure it is not for a fraudulent or improper purpose. You can keep it simple to something like “I am transgender, and I go by this name by friends and family”. If you would prefer to not disclose that you are trans, you could just say “this is the name I use in my daily life.”

In Tasmania, you can usually only change your name once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime.

Additional Steps

If you were born overseas and are not a permanent resident or citizen, seek further legal advice.

Registrable offenders, or people in prison, on parole or similar should seek legal advice before they apply.

You must be 16 years old to change your name. If you are under 16 years old, your parents/guardians must apply on your behalf. This will typically mean both parents, or one parent can seek a Court order. The Court’s main consideration is what the person under 16 wants, or if they are unable to understand, then what is in their best interests.

Steps to take:

• Fill in the form, and sign it in front of an authorised person
  • You can email it to the Registry or post it.
• Provide copies of 3 identity documents (e.g. Passport, Medicare card and Student ID – or see the full list online).
  • Some identity documents will be checked online and do not need to be certified copies (such as Australian birth certificate, driver’s license and Medicare card).
  • Some identity documents you must send in a certified copy of (such as NZ birth certificate, foreign passport, or bank card)
  • You could also go in person with your original identity documents and application form.
• On the application form, consent to a police check being done (or make alternative arrangements)
• If you were born overseas, provide evidence that you have been living in NSW for the last 3 years.
• If you a restricted person, or are applying under a special exception, provide any additional evidence required.
• Pay the fee (don’t forget to check if you are eligible for a discount. If you are under 18 years it’s free)
• Wait until the Registry contact you again and post your new certificate to you.

Driver’s Licenses in Tasmania

The following section relies on Departmental procedure and policy – which can be subject to change at any time. If you feel that the process to change your gender marker on your driver’s license has been affected by discrimination, please seek legal advice.

After you have changed your legal name (e.g. with the Births Deaths and Marriages Registry), you can update your name on your driver’s license with Service Tasmania. They display your legal name.

To change your name on your driver’s license, you will need to visit a Service Tasmania office in person.

It is an offence if you hold a driver’s licence and do not update Service Tasmania of your new legal name within 14 days. You have to do this yourself – generally Births Deaths Marriages Registries do not update other government departments for you.

You will need to bring with you the following original documents (not photocopies):

• Your current driver license, so you can return it.
• If you cannot bring your driver’s license, you will need to provide proof of your identity (so they know you are who you say you are), by providing an original birth certificate, bank card and Certificate from a Births Deaths Marriages Registry. (Alternatively, see the full list here).
• Original ‘change of name document’. This could include either:
  • change of name certificate or Deed Poll
  • birth certificate showing your name at birth and your new name

If you want a new card with your new name on it, you will have to pay extra for the new card.

Birth Certificates in the ACT

In general, in ACT anyone over the age of 14 years has the right to change their first and middle name if they wish, including trans and gender diverse folk. People over 18 years old can also change their surname.

If you were born or had your adoption registered in ACT, or have been living in ACT for the last 12 months, you may be able to register a change of name with the ACT Births Deaths and Marriages Registry.

If you have an ACT Birth Certificate, you can have your new name on the Certificate. If you were not born in ACT, you can get a Change og Name Certificate. If you were born outside ACT, you will separately have to contact the Registry in the state or territory you were born in to have the change updated on your birth certificate.

There are some restrictions on what you can change your name to. This includes names that could be offensive, too long or confusing (Methamphetamine, InsertNameHere, or swear words), names that include symbols and non-alphabet icons or names that could be confused for a title, or the name of an organisation (Inner City Legal Centre, Prime Minister, 87!#, K.I.N.G., Doctor), or the Governor General otherwise thinks its undesirable.

The application form will ask you to provide a reason for the change of name. They ask this to ensure it is not for a fraudulent or improper purpose. You can keep it simple to something like “I am transgender, and I go by this name by friends and family”. If you would prefer to not disclose that you are trans, you could just say “this is the name I use in my daily life.”

In ACT, you can usually only change your name once in a 12-month period.

Additional Steps

In ACT if you are born overseas and have lived in ACT for the 12 months prior to applying, you can also have your name changed. You will need to provide evidence that you have been living here. If you are not a permanent resident or citizen, please seek further legal advice.

In ACT, if you are a restricted person, you must get written permission from the supervising authority before you apply. A restricted person includes someone in prison, on parole or under certain supervision orders. It is an offence to even apply for a change of name without first receiving this permission. If you think you might be a restricted person, seek legal advice.

You must be 14 years old to change your name. If you are between 12 – 14 years old, you may still be able to change your name but have to take additional steps, please talk to a lawyer for advice. If you are under 12 years, your parents/guardians must apply on your behalf.

Steps to take:

• Fill in the form
  • You can apply by email, by post or in person at an Access Canberra service Centre.
• Provide copies of 3 identity documents (e.g. Passport, Medicare card and Student ID – or see the full list online).
• Return the original ACT birth certificate if you have one.
• On the application form, consent to a police check and other background checks being done.
• If you were not born in ACT, provide evidence that you have been living in NSW for the last 12 months.
• If you a restricted person, seek legal advice, or get permission from your supervising authority.
• Pay the fee (don’t forget to check if you are eligible for a waiver due to financial hardship or if you are under 18 years)
• Wait until the Registry contact you again and post your new certificate to you

Driver’s Licenses in the ACT

The following section relies on Departmental procedure and policy – which can be subject to change at any time. If you feel that the process to change your gender marker on your driver’s license has been affected by discrimination, please seek legal advice.

Access Canberra is the authority that issues driver licences, ACT Proof of Identity cards, and other personal documentation in the ACT. These documents display your full legal name.

To update your name on your ACT driver licence, you must visit an Access Canberra Service Centre in person. You can also request updates to other linked services, such as vehicle registration records.

It is your legal responsibility to update your name on your driver licence after a legal name change. The Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) Registry does not automatically notify other government departments of your name change so you must do this yourself.

You will need to bring with you the following original documents (not photocopies):

• Your current driver license, so you can return it.
• If you cannot bring your driver’s license, you will need to provide proof of your identity (so they know you are who you say you are), by providing an original birth certificate, bank card and Certificate from a Births Deaths Marriages Registry. (Alternatively, see the full list here).
• Original ‘change of name document’. This could include either:
  • change of name certificate issued by Access Canberra
  • birth certificate showing your name at birth and your new name

If you want a new card issued with your updated name, you’ll need to complete a replacement licence application and pay the applicable fee.

If you only want to update your records without receiving a new card, you may be able to do this without a fee, check Access Canberra for further information.

Birth Certificates in QLD

Trans and gender diverse folk in Queensland generally have the right to change their name.

Most of the time, if you were born or had your adoption registered in Queensland, you will have to go to the Queensland Births Deaths and Marriages Registry. At the Registry you can change your name on your Birth Certificate or to get another type of change of name certificate. You can change the spelling, your first, last or middle names.

There are some restrictions on what you can change your name to. This includes names that could be offensive, too long or confusing (Drugs, InsertNameHere, or swear words), names that include symbols and non-alphabet icons or names that could be confused for a title (Prime Minister, K.I.N.G., 87!#, Doctor), or is contrary to the public interest. The Queensland Registry will accept some limited characters not used in common English language – such as in Garçon – see the full policy for more details.

The application form will ask you to provide a detailed reason for the change of name. They ask this to ensure it is not for a fraudulent or improper purpose. You can keep it simple to something like “I am transgender, and I go by this name by friends and family, and this name affirms my gender identity”. If you would prefer to not disclose that you are trans, you could just say “this is the name I use in my daily life.”

In Queensland, you can only change your name once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime.

Additional Steps

If you were born overseas or in a different state or territory of Australia and need to change your name to protect you from domestic violence, or have other special circumstances, please seek legal advice or contact the registry about applying for an exception.

If you have obligations under a sex offender registry, or child protection registry, or are in custody, you should seek legal advice about your obligations before applying for a change of name.

You must be 18 years old to change your name. If you are under 18 years old, your parents/guardians must apply on your behalf and agree to the change. This will typically mean both parents on your Birth Certificate, or people with parental responsibility, otherwise they will have to seek a Court Order. Usually if you are over 12 years old, you must also consent to the change.

Steps to take:

1. Fill in the form
2. You must lodge the application by post, or in person at the Brisbane office by making an appointment.
3. Provide your identification documents
4. You will need to provide a number of documents as per the prescribed list (for example, a Driver’s license, birth certificate, Medicare card and utility bill).
5. You can either bring in your original Identity Documents to an appointment at the Brisbane Registry office OR provide certified copies (not originals) of your identity documents and post them along with your paper application.
6. If you were born overseas, provide evidence that you have been living in Queensland for the last 12 months (such as utility bills, lease, school enrolment, etc.)
7. If you a restricted person or have obligations under a sex offender register or are applying under a special exception, provide any additional evidence required.
8. Pay the fee.
9. Wait until the Registry contact you again and post your new certificate to you.

If you need further assistance, you can also contact the LGBTI Legal Service who offer a state-wide free legal service for trans and gender diverse people. 

Driver’s Licenses in QLD

The following section relies on Departmental procedure and policy – which can be subject to change at any time. If you feel that the process to change your gender marker on your driver’s license has been affected by discrimination, please seek legal advice.

Queensland drivers’ licenses, and Queensland Photos display your full legal name. To change your name on your driver’s license, you will need to visit a transport and motoring customer service centre in person. (You can also try at some police station or QGAP offices)

It is an offence to hold a drivers license in a different name so you should attend one of these services promptly after you change your legal name. You have to do this yourself – generally Births Deaths Marriages Registries do not update other government departments for you.

You will need to bring with you the following original documents (not photocopies):

• Your current driver license (or QLD Photo ID Card), so you can return it

• If not, you will have to pay an extra fee for the new license.

• If you can’t provide a Driver’s License or Photo ID Card, you will have to provide other identity documents such as: Birth Certificate, Passport and bank card, or see here for the full list.

• Original ‘change of name document’. This could include either:

• Australian change of name certificate

• Australian birth certificate showing your name at birth and your new name