Whether you want to leave your old name behind or adopt a new identity, the legal process can seem overwhelming. 

But fear not – we’re here to help with a step-by-step guide on how to file for a name change in New Zealand, as well as answer some commonly asked questions about the process. 

So if you’re ready to take the first step toward a new name, let’s dive in!

How to file a name change legally in New Zealand?

Difficulty	Moderately Easy ●●○○○
Number of steps	7
Time to perform	30 minutes to an hour (up to a few days if you choose to submit your application in person)
Things you need	• Required documents  • Name change form • Photo identification • Proof of identityCredit/debit card (if you will pay online)

To file a name change legally in New Zealand, you need to complete the name change form, pay the required fees, and submit the form along with your supporting documents and payment.

Ready to make the switch? Let us walk you through each step.

STEP 1: Find out if you’re eligible to change your name.

If you’re 18 years of age or older and you were born in New Zealand, are a New Zealand citizen, or are entitled to live in the country indefinitely, then you can apply to legally change your name.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. 

For instance, if you’ve taken your partner’s surname after marriage or civil union, or if you want to use your birth surname again after a divorce, you usually don’t need to apply for a name change. 

How about if I’m nearly 18, do I still have a chance to legally change my name?

If you’re 16 or 17 and wondering whether you can legally change your name, the answer is yes, but there are some additional requirements to keep in mind.
The thing is, you can actually change your name without your parent’s permission if you’re:
of the said age and are marriedin a civil union or, in a de facto relationship
However, if you’re not in any of these situations, then your parents or guardians will have to sign a statutory declaration when you apply. 
The reason for this is to ensure that your parents or guardians are aware of the name change and have given their consent. 
Additionally, it’s important to note that once you turn 16 years old, your parents can’t change your name without your consent.

STEP 2: Determine what you can legally change your name to.

You can change all or part of your name, but keep in mind that there are certain restrictions.

Your new name must consist of at least one surname and one or more other names. 

If you have cultural, philosophical, or religious reasons for having only one name, you can include a letter of explanation with your application.

However, there are also names that may cause your application to be rejected. Such reasons include: 

• If it’s offensive
• If it’s longer than 100 characters, including spaces
• If it’s an official title or rank, or something that resembles one (e.g. Justice, King, Prince, Princess, Royal)
• If it’s spelled with numbers or symbols (e.g. V8)

STEP 3: Prepare all required documents. 

To legally change your name in New Zealand, you will need to provide photo identification and proof of your identity in the community.

Ready to show you’re who you say you are? Here’s a list of acceptable documents to make it happen:

Photo identification (ID)

You must provide a certified copy of one of the following: • Passport • Driver license • Firearms or dealer’s license • Defense 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 documentKiwi Access Card or overseas proof of age card

Proof of your identity in the community

You must provide a copy of two of the following: • Bank statement • Utility bill (for example, gas, electricity, mobile phone) • Lease or tenancy agreement • Motor vehicle registration • Rates notice • IRD tax statement • SuperGold Card • Student or tertiary identity card • Educational certificate or school report • Trade certificate • Electoral roll record • Certificate of approval or license issued by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority • Steps to Freedom Grant confirmation letter • Immigration New Zealand confirmation of visa/permit status.

If you don’t have any of the accepted documents, you can contact the Births, Deaths and Marriages office to discuss other options.

What if I was born outside of New Zealand?

If you were born outside of New Zealand, you’ll need to provide evidence of your date and place of birth, as well as your citizenship or resident status. 
You also need to provide a certified copy of any of the following documents that state your name, date, and place of birth:

• New Zealand citizenship certificate • New Zealand passport • New Zealand certificate of identity or refugee travel document issued under the Passports Act 1992, with a letter or valid resident permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming resident status • Letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming resident status • Australian passport • Other passports with a valid residence permit/visa issued by Immigration New Zealand • Other passports with a valid Australian permanent resident permit/visaCook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau birth certificate • Other birth certificates with a letter or valid resident permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming resident status • Chinese notarial certificate and a letter or valid resident permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming resident status • Household census registers from an Asian country and a letter or resident permit/visa from Immigration New Zealand confirming resident status.

STEP 4. Complete the form.

Once you have all the documents ready, you need to complete the form here.

The form requires you to provide your personal details, your current name, and the name you wish to change to. 

You must also indicate the reason for your name change, such as marriage, divorce, or personal preference.

Once you have completed the form, you need to have it witnessed by an authorized person, such as a Justice of the Peace. This person will verify your identity and certify that the information you have provided is true and correct. 

Pro tip: Double-check the information you provide on the form to avoid delays or errors in the processing of your application. And don’t forget to bring your photo ID to your witness appointment – without it, your application cannot be certified.

STEP 5. Pay for your name change.

Cost is always a factor when it comes to legal matters, but the $170 fee to change your name in New Zealand is worth it. After all, it’s a small price to pay for a big change.

To make things even more convenient, there are different ways to pay. You can choose from:

• Credit, debit, or prepaid gift card – This option allows you to use your card online, so you can pay from the comfort of your own home. Plus, you’ll get rewards points if you use a rewards credit card.
• EFTPOS – If you prefer paying in person, this option is perfect for you. Just visit a New Zealand Post Shop or a Births, Deaths and Marriages office near you and pay with your EFTPOS card.
• Foreign draft – If you’re living abroad, you can still change your name by using a foreign draft. This option is only available if you apply at the Sydney or London office.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about which payment method to choose, consider the security, convenience, and fees associated with each option.  For example, paying by credit or debit card may offer added security features and rewards points, while paying by EFTPOS may be more convenient for those who prefer to pay in person.  Ultimately, choose the payment method that works best for you and your situation.

STEP 6. Submit your form, documents, and payment.

Ready to submit your name change application? Great! 

You have two options: by post or in person.

How to Send the Application by Post

To send your application by post or courier, you can address it to the Births, Deaths and Marriages office near you (we’ll provide you with the available office addresses within the country in the next section).

Now, if you’re a Kiwi residing in Sydney or London, you can still apply for a name change through the Births, Deaths and Marriages office in each city. See table below:

Sydney	BDM Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages GPO Box 30 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
London	UK Births, Deaths and Marriages 3rd floor Australia Centre Strand London WC2B 4LA United Kingdom

Pro tip: If you’re sending your application by post or courier, make sure to use a track and trace service so you can monitor its delivery status.

How to Send the Application in Person

If you prefer to submit your application in person, you can book an appointment at one of the Births, Deaths and Marriages offices in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. 

This is a great option if you want to ask questions or get help with your application on the spot.

Auckland	12 Nicholls Lane, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Wellington	109-125 Willis Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Christchurch	1/120 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand

Pro tip: Remember to bring a copy of your application, supporting documents, and payment with you when you go to the office.

STEP 7: Follow through with the changes after your name change.

After you file for a name change, your application will be processed by the New Zealand government. If your application is approved, you will receive a new birth certificate with your updated name, if you ordered one.

If you didn’t order a certificate, don’t worry – you’ll still get good news! 

Instead of a certificate, you’ll receive a confirmation email letting you know that your name change request has been approved. So keep an eye on your inbox!

The process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. If your application is declined, you will receive a letter explaining the reason why it was declined.

1. Can I have my official IDs changed to my new name after my application is approved?

Once your name change application is approved, you can proceed with changing your name on your official IDs.

This is a separate process, though. You will need to contact the relevant agencies to update your information. 

Some common agencies to notify include the Department of Internal Affairs for your passport, the New Zealand Transport Agency for your driver’s license, and your bank and other financial institutions. 

Make sure to have your updated birth certificate or name change certificate ready as proof of your new name.

2. How do I inform other organizations about my name change?

To inform other organizations about your name change, you will need to update your information with them individually. 

This includes government agencies like Inland Revenue and banks, as well as other organizations like your employer, insurance provider, and utility companies. 

You may need to provide a copy of your new birth certificate or name change certificate as proof of your name change. 

Take note: It’s best to contact each organization directly to find out their specific requirements for updating your information.