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.

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    If your child was born or adopted:

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

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    Check your answers

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    Check that you have chosen the service you need.

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    Privacy notice
    \r\n 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.\r\n
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    Book the appointment by phone<\\/h4>

    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.<\\/p>

    Step 5: Submit your application<\\/h3>

    Submit your application in person at:<\\/p>

    Brisbane registry customer service centre<\\/strong>
    Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane<\\/p>

    Opening hours: <\\/strong>Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.<\\/p>

    Closed public holidays.<\\/p>

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    • Last updated:
    26 March 2026