Change your own name
Overview
You can change your own name in New Zealand if you're over 18 and a citizen or permanent resident.
You can apply to change your name if:
- you're 18 or over, and
- you were born here or are an NZ citizen, or you're entitled to live here indefinitely (you're a permanent resident of NZ or Australia, or you're Australian)
You don't usually need to apply for a name change if you've taken your partner's surname after marriage or a civil union, or if you want to use your birth surname (maiden name) again after a divorce.
Changing your name when you get married
If you're married, in a civil union or a de facto relationship, you can change your name without your parents' permission. Otherwise, each of your parents or guardians have to sign a statutory declaration when you apply. Once you're 16, your parents can't change your name without your consent.
If you're 16 or 17
What you can change your name to
You can change all or part of your name.
Your new name has to consist of one surname and one or more other names. If you have religious, philosophical or cultural reasons to have only one name, you need to include a letter of explanation with your application.
Your new name might not be accepted if it's:
- offensive
- longer than 100 characters, including spaces
- an official title or rank, or resembles one (eg Justice, King, Prince or Princess, Royal) unless you can justify why you should be allowed that name
- spelled with numbers or symbols (eg V8).
Documents you'll need
Photo ID
You need a certified copy of one of:
- passport
- driver licence
- firearms or dealer's licence
- defence force or police service photo identity card
- NZ emergency travel document
- NZ certificate of identity (issued under the Passports Act 1992 or the Immigration Act 2009)
- NZ refugee travel document, or
- 18+ Card or overseas proof of age card.
You'll need to show your photo ID to the person who witnesses you signing the statutory declaration on the form. That person may be able to certify your documents at the same time.
Proof of your identity in the community
You need copies of two different documents that show your current name. These could be:
- utility account bill (eg gas, electricity, mobile phone)
- bank statement
- lease or tenancy agreement
- rates notice
- SuperGold card
- Inland Revenue tax statement
- electoral roll record
- motor vehicle registration
- student or tertiary identity card
- educational certificate or school report
- trade certificate
- certificate of approval or licence issued by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority
- Steps to Freedom form
- confirmation of permit status from Immigration NZ.
If you don't have the documents you need, contact Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Contact Births, Deaths and Marriages
How to apply
Complete the form
Application to register a name change BDM 120 (PDF 1MB)
Application to register a name change BDM 120 accessible alternative (txt 22KB)
In the application form, you must declare what you've said is true. This is called making a statutory declaration. An authorised witness must sign your declaration.
Making a statutory declaration
Cost
It costs $170 to change your name.
You can pay by:
- credit card
- money order or international bank draft
- cheque made out to the Department of Internal Affairs.
Submit your form, documents and payment
Post
Post your form, documents, and payment details, to:
New Zealand
Name change team
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6143
Australia
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
GPO Box 365
Sydney
New South Wales 2001
UK
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Department of Internal Affairs
New Zealand House
80 Haymarket
London SW1Y4TQ
In person
You can change your name in person in Auckland, Manukau, Wellington or Christchurch.
You need to take your form, documents, and payment details.
Get a record of your name change
To change your name on other ID, like your passport or driver licence, you need evidence to show you've officially changed your name.
If you were born in NZ
Order a new birth certificate to prove you've changed your name. This will show your new name and all your previously registered names.
You can apply for a new birth certificate on your name change form or request one later.
What happens next
If you've also requested a new birth certificate or name change certificate, this will be posted to you after about 3 weeks. Otherwise, you'll be sent a confirmation email or letter.
Change your name on your official IDs
Your name won't automatically be changed on your other documents. You can:
Tell people about your name change
Births, Deaths and Marriages will let the Electoral Commission know about your change of name, but other government agencies and other organisations won't automatically be notified. It's up to you to update your information with places like IRD, your bank and RealMe.
Forms
Apply to change your name
Application to register a name change BDM120 (PDF 1MB)
Application to register a name change BDM120 accessible alternative (txt 22KB)
If you need proof you've changed your name and you were born overseas
Name change certificate request BDM93N (PDF 240KB)
Name change certificate request BDM93N accessible alternative (txt 5KB)
