Replace certificates after a change of name
If your change of name was completed in NSW after 1 April 1996, you can apply for a replacement certificate.
Records we don't hold
We don’t hold records for changes of name completed before April 1996, such as deed polls.
What you'll need
If you are applying for your own certificate, you must provide the following:
- Three forms of your own proof of identity
If you are applying for a certificate on behalf of another person, you must provide the following:
- Letter of authority giving you permission to apply (PDF 217.4KB), from the person named on the certificate or if deceased, their next of kin. Include their address, daytime telephone number and signature;
- Three forms of proof of identity from the person giving permission
- Three forms of your own proof of identity
Important: Do not laminate your certificates. Identity documents must be kept in their original state to be accepted by Government agencies.
If you have changed your name or your child's name and require a replacement of the certificate, you can apply for a replacement change of name certificate.
If your child is now aged over 18 years, and you applied for the original change of name as a parent, you are entitled to a replacement certificate.
If you are not the person named on the certificate or you did not apply for the original change of name, you must:
- complete a Letter of authority giving you permission to apply (PDF 217.4KB), or
- show Power of Attorney relating to the person named on the certificate, or
- be a solicitor acting for the person named on the certificate or require the certificate for a legal purpose - see information for solicitors applying for certificates.
You must provide at least 3 forms of current identity, one of each from Categories 1, 2 and 3.
- If you cannot provide proof of identity from Categories 1 and 2, you must still provide at least 3 forms of identity. At least two of these must be from Category 3.
- If you cannot meet these requirements, contact us for further advice.
| Category | Documents |
|---|---|
| 1 | If born in Australia:
|
| 2 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 4 |
|
| Certificate request | Standard service | Priority service |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement change of name certificate | $67 | $99 |
- All prices include $11 postage and handling. Add a further $9 for international post.
If your change of name was completed after April 1996 you can apply for a replacement change of name certificate by:
- applying online for a replacement change of name certificate, or
- downloading a replacement change of name certificate form (PDF 585.87KB) and sending the completed form to us by post.
If there are errors on the certificate:
- return the original certificate to us by post
- provide 3 proof of identity documents and
- send us the correct information on the correct an entry form.
Processing times
Processing of your replacement change of name certificate begins when we have received your complete and correct application.
- Certificates are delivered by registered post. The processing time does not include delivery, please see Australia Post website for current delivery times within Australia or International.
- Australia Post advises customers to anticipate delays with international post.
- Processing may be delayed if your application is incomplete, does not include valid identification, or you do not pay the fee.
| Certificate request | Standard service | Priority service |
|---|---|---|
| Online application | up to 3 weeks | up to 1 weeks |
| By post | up to 4 weeks | up to 1 week |
| Registry agents (Service NSW) | up to 7 weeks | up to 1 week |