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Change your child's name

Part of the Name changes topic

You can legally change your child's name in Queensland. Apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriage and pay a fee.

On this page

In short

You can use this service to:

  • change a baby's first name born or adopted in Queensland and who is not yet 12 months
  • change a child's name born or adopted in Queensland
  • change a child's name born or adopted overseas but living in Queensland for the last 12 months.

You must submit your completed application form, ID and supporting documents by post or in person.

Start the online form for baby's first name

Start the online form for child born or adopted in Queensland

Start the online form for child born or adopted outside Queensland

What you should know

In most cases, both parents must agree to change a child's name.

If your child is 12 or older, they must also agree to the name change.

You can change your child's first name before their first birthday if they were born in Queensland. You can only do this once. You can choose to get a new birth certificate with their updated name for an additional fee.

There are rules about:

There are certain situations where you can apply for an exception to the rules.

If your baby or child was born or adopted in Queensland, you can choose to get:

  • a new birth certificate with their updated name
  • a change of name certificate or
  • for an additional fee you can choose to get both.

If your child was born or adopted overseas, you will get:

  • a change of name certificate.

If the name change is approved, you will need to change your child's name everywhere they are registered in the community.

Who can use this service

You can apply to change a child's name if:
Correct. you are either
  • their parent
  • their legal guardian or have legal parental responsibility
  • you have a Queensland Magistrates Court order
Correct. your child was born or adopted in Queensland
Correct. your child was born or adopted overseas, and has lived in Queensland for the last 12 months.
Don't use this service if:
Incorrect. the child was born or adopted in another Australian state or territory
Instead, apply in that state or territory.
Incorrect. the child is over 18
Instead, the person should apply to change your name.

How to apply to change your child's name

Choose how to submit and follow the steps.

Step 1: Gather your documents

Proof of identity

You need to gather 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) documents including proof of home address.

See Proof of identity documents.

Supporting documents

You may need to provide documents to support your application.

See Supporting documents for other Registry services.

Translating documents

If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated.

See Translating documents.

Step 2: Certify copies of your documents

You must get copies of your ID documents and supporting documents certified by an authorised person.

See Getting documents certified.

Step 3: Choose the application form

Online form

Complete the online form and pay the fee. Print the receipt and the form.

Start the online form for change baby's first name

Start the online form for child born or adopted in Queensland

Start the online form for child born or adopted outside Queensland

PDF form

Print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.

Download the PDF form for change baby's first name

Download the PDF for a change of name for a child

Step 4: Get a witness signature

An adult (18 or older) must witness both parents' signatures on the declaration section of the form.

Step 5: Submit your application

Post to

Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST  QLD  4002

Include your:

  • completed application form
  • receipt of online payment or payment method on the PDF form
  • certified copies of ID and supporting documents.

Step 6: Receive the certificate

Once your application is approved we will post the certificate to you.

You can then update your child’s name in the community.

Your application may not be approved if you:

  • don't meet the rules
  • don't include the right documents.

You will not receive a refund if:

  • your application is refused
  • you cancel it after we have reviewed it.

Step 1: Gather your documents

Proof of identity

You need to gather 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) documents including proof of home address.

See Proof of identity documents.

Supporting documents

You may need to provide documents to support your application.

See Supporting documents for other Registry services.

Translating documents

If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated.

See Translating documents.

Step 2: Choose the application form

Online form

Complete the online form and pay the fee. Print the receipt and the form.

Start the online form for change baby's first name

Start the online form for child born or adopted in Queensland

Start the online form for child born or adopted outside Queensland

PDF form

Print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.

Download the PDF form for change baby's first name

Download the PDF for a change of name for a child

Step 3: Get a witness signature

An adult (18 or older) must witness both parents' signatures on the declaration section of the form.

Step 4: Book an appointment

You must book an appointment to submit your application in person at the Brisbane registry.

Book the appointment online

  1. To make a booking I understand: *
  2. Was your child's birth or adoption registered in Queensland? *
  3. Was your child's birth or adoption registered overseas? *

  4. Don't request an appointment

    If your child was born or adopted:

    • • in another Australian state or territory
    • • overseas and doesn't currently live in Queensland (and has not lived in Queensland for the past 12 months).

    You need to apply in that state or territory.

  5. Don't request an appointment

    If your child was born or adopted:

    • • in another Australian state or territory
    • • overseas and does not currently live in Queensland (and has not lived in Queensland for the past 12 months).

    You need to apply in that state or territory.

  6. Check your answers

    Check that you have chosen the service you need.

Privacy notice
The Department of Justice, Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages is collecting your personal information for the purpose of facilitating your appointment booking online and for contacting you in relation to your booking. Your personal information will not be used or disclosed for any other purpose unless authorised or required by law. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the provisions of the Information Privacy Act 2009.

Book the appointment by phone

Local call* 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or international +61 7 3022 6100 (+10 hours UTC)—phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm.

Step 5: Submit your application

Submit your application by appointment:

Brisbane registry customer service centre
Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.

Closed public holidays.

Bring with you:

  • completed application form
  • receipt of online payment or payment method on the PDF form
  • certified copies of ID and supporting documents.

Step 6: Receive the certificate

Once your application is approved we will post the certificate to you.

Your application may not be approved if you:

  • don't meet the rules
  • don't include the right documents.

You will not receive a refund if:

  • your application is refused
  • you cancel it after we have reviewed it.

How long it takes

Processing times start when an application with all required documents and payment has been received.

Standard application: up to 10 business days

Urgent application: within 3 business days (extra fee applies)

Applications missing any required information or documents, or if you are applying for an exception to a rule, will take longer.

Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.

How much it costs

The fee you pay is for you to submit your application and for the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to review it.

  • Change of first name within first 12 months of birth application fee:  $25.30
  • Change of name application fee (includes 1 official certificate): $212.80
  • Certificate: $56.20
  • Urgent application: $111.80

Regular postage is free.

You can choose other delivery types:

  • Registered post (recommended): $8.10
  • Express post: $8.55
  • International registered mail: $18.55

From the Help centre

Find answers to frequently asked questions about services, including:

Correct a certificate

Payments, refunds and financial hardship

Getting help in other languages

Find more in the Help centre

Managed by: Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages

Last updated:
10 February 2026