How to Change Your Name on an Australian Passport

Change your name on your Australian passport.

Australian passports use the same name that appears on a person's birth certificate, so to change your name on your Australian passport, you must file a new application and provide evidence proving that a legal name change has taken place. The type of documentation required depends on your reason for changing your name as well as your status as an Australian citizen and resident. Make sure your package meets the requirements in order to avoid a delay or rejection of your application.

Things You'll Need

• Application form
• 2 identical 35 mm to 40 mm by 45 mm to 50 mm passport photos, no more than six months old
• Proof of citizenship
• Certificate of name change
• Translations (if applicable)
• Guarantor
• Filing fee
• Additional supporting documents

Instructions

1. Apply for a legal change of name. If you were born in, or habitually reside in, Australia, register your new name at the state registrar where you live or were born. Get an original document, such as a name change certificate, divorce decree or marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, showing the name change. If you were born overseas or are based outside Australia, you can register at an equivalent civil registrar in your country. Obtain an original of the certificate of name change and have it translated into English, if necessary.

2. Fill out Form B-11: General Declaration by Passport Applicant if you do not live in Australia. Describe where you now live, for how long and that you are no longer based in Australia.

3. Fill out application Form PC8. When asked if you are applying for an Australian passport renewal, choose "No." Note that you can fill in an online Form PC8, but you cannot download a blank pdf copy of same. Print the completed form. (Note: You cannot submit your Australian passport application online.)

4. Get a guarantor as required. The guarantor must complete some information and attest in writing that you are the person shown in your passport photos. Your guarantor must be accessible during business hours to talk about you and your Australian passport application.

5. Attach other documentary requirements. These include evidence of your Australian citizenship, such as an Australian birth certificate or passport; two passport photos that meet Australian official standards; three proofs of identity (acceptable types are listed in Form PC8); and filing fee. Use only original documents.

6. Submit your passport application. If you are overseas, send your package to the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. If you are in the country, submit it to an Australian Post outlet or Australian Passport Office. Processing usually takes 10 working days. Expedited processing is available at an additional charge. When you receive your new passport your other original documents will be returned to you as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Marriage certificates are acceptable only for a change of surname. You must furnish a separate name change certificate for a change of first name.

• Use Australian date format on the passport application form. Use DD/MM/YYYY, not MM/DD/YYYY, as in done in the U.S.

• You can get a free replacement Australian passport if: your current passport will be valid for at least two years; the change of name is due to marriage, divorce or death and it happened when the passport was still valid; or you file for name change within 12 months of the event. The replacement passport will have the same expiration date as the current one.

• If you are in Australia you can call the Australian Passport Office at 131-232 to book an appointment.

• Complete instructions are in Form PC8. Inquire with the nearest Australian embassy, consulate or passport office outlet.

• If you were born after August 20, 1986, additional documents are required to establish your Australian citizenship.

• Minor applicants require more documentation.

• The guarantor must not be a family member or in a de facto relationship with you. He or she must be at least 18 years-old, does not live with you, and has known you for at least 12 months.

• If born abroad, look on your certificate of citizenship to see if your birth place and sex are specified. If not, use your foreign birth certificate. If that is not available, use your non-Australian passport.

References

• Embassy of Australia, Washington, D.C.: How to Obtain an Australian Passport in the United States of America
• Embassy of Australia, Washington, D.C.: How to Complete the Overseas PC8 Application Form
• Embassy of Australia, Washington, D.C.: Basic Checklist for PC8 Application Form
• Embassy of Australia, Brazil: Adult PC8 Checklist
• Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Change of Name

Resources

• Embassy of Australia, Washington, D.C.: Photo Guide
• Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages: Change of Name
• Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Where to Lodge Your Passport Application Form
• Embassy of Australia, Washington D.C.: Guarantor (Section 11 of the PC8 Application Form)
• Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Application for an Australian Passport: Overseas Notes