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Change of name

You can legally change your name so long as you are not doing so for criminal purposes, such as committing fraud. You can also change a child’s name in certain circumstances.

Adults can only register a change of name once every 12 months.

For children, you can only register one change of given name between ages 1 and 18, and change of surname once every 12 months.

For a child less than 1 year old, you can register one change of given name before the child’s first birthday.

Change your name
The documents required and the process for having your name legally changed.

Note a previous change of name
Use this process if you have previously had your name legally changed and you would like the details noted on the birth or adoption register.

Change of name through marriage
Where the bride takes the husband’s surname in marriage, she will only need a marriage certificate for proof of the name change.

Last reviewed 26/08/2009