How to Legally Change Your Name in New Zealand
In New Zealand, you legally change your name by applying to Births, Deaths and Marriages, part of the Department of Internal Affairs, using a statutory declaration. There is no need to go to court for a straightforward name change.
This is general information about New Zealand law, not legal advice. For your own situation, consult a lawyer or your local Community Law centre.
How you legally change your name in New Zealand
New Zealand does not require a court order for a routine adult name change. Instead, you complete a statutory declaration, a formal sworn statement, and submit it to Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) at the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Once BDM approves and registers the application, the new name is recorded against your birth, or against your immigration record if you were born overseas but are a New Zealand citizen or entitled to live here indefinitely.
Who can apply, and the BDM120 form
Adults aged 18 and over who are New Zealand citizens, or who are entitled to live in New Zealand indefinitely, apply using form BDM120, "Application to register a name change." You need to:
- Choose the new full name you want.
- Sign the statutory declaration section of the form in front of an authorised witness, such as a Justice of the Peace, a lawyer, or another person legally authorised to witness statutory declarations, who sights your original photo ID.
- Provide a certified copy of photo identification, plus other supporting documents proving your identity, as set out on the form.
16 and 17 year olds generally apply on a separate, related form (BDM121) rather than BDM120, and generally need a guardian's consent unless they are legally married or in a civil union.
The fee
BDM's published fee to register an adult name change is $180. BDM fees are periodically reviewed and have moved in recent years, so treat this as the figure at the time of writing and confirm the current amount on dia.govt.nz or govt.nz before you pay. A separate, smaller fee applies if you also want a new birth certificate showing your new name, since registering the name change and ordering an updated certificate are separate steps.
When your new name takes effect, and updating other documents
Your name change becomes official once BDM approves and registers your application. BDM does not automatically push the new name out to other agencies or documents. You need to separately update, at minimum:
- Your passport (Department of Internal Affairs).
- Your driver licence (Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency).
- Inland Revenue, your bank, your employer, and any other organisation that holds records under your old name.
Most people find it easiest to get an updated birth certificate first, once the name change is registered, and then use that certificate as proof of the new name when updating everything else.
Changing a child's name
For a child aged 15 or under, a parent or guardian applies on their behalf using form BDM123. Usually, all of the child's parents or legal guardians need to sign the statutory declaration section, even if the parents are separated or were never in a relationship. If a parent or guardian cannot sign, the application generally needs to explain why, for example because they cannot be located, are deceased, or are unable to act because of a medical condition, and provide supporting evidence.
In some situations, the Family Court can authorise one guardian to change a child's name without the other's signature. Where that has happened, the application needs to include the relevant Family Court paperwork.
A 16 or 17 year old can apply to change their own name using form BDM121, generally with a guardian's consent unless they are legally married or in a civil union.
Related New Zealand family and everyday law topics
A name change is a common step after a marriage, civil union, or de facto relationship ends. If that is your situation, see our guide to divorce and dissolution in New Zealand. For other everyday legal topics, see the New Zealand everyday law section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to change your name in New Zealand?
The current published fee to register an adult name change with Births, Deaths and Marriages is $180. BDM fees are reviewed from time to time, so confirm the exact current amount on dia.govt.nz or govt.nz before you apply.
What form do I use to change my name in New Zealand?
Adults use form BDM120, Application to register a name change. Children aged 15 and under are applied for on form BDM123, and 16 and 17 year olds generally use form BDM121.
Do I need to go to court to change my name?
No, not for a routine adult name change. You apply directly to Births, Deaths and Marriages using a statutory declaration, signed in front of an authorised witness such as a Justice of the Peace or a lawyer. Court involvement is generally only needed in specific disputed situations, such as some child name change cases.
Will my passport and driver licence update automatically after I change my name?
No. Registering your name change with Births, Deaths and Marriages does not automatically update other records. You need to separately update your passport, your driver licence, and notify agencies such as Inland Revenue, your bank, and your employer.
How do I change my child's name in New Zealand?
You apply on form BDM123 for a child aged 15 or under. Usually all of the child's parents or legal guardians need to sign the statutory declaration, even if they are separated. If a guardian cannot sign, the application needs to explain why, and in some cases the Family Court can authorise one guardian to act alone.
Can one parent change a child's name without the other parent's consent?
Generally no. Births, Deaths and Marriages usually requires all of a child's parents or legal guardians to sign the statutory declaration. An exception can apply where a guardian cannot be located, is deceased, or is unable to act, or where the Family Court has authorised one guardian to act alone.
Sources and References
- New Zealand Government - Change your own name(govt.nz).gov
- New Zealand Government - Change your child's name(govt.nz).gov
- BDM120 - Application to register a name change(govt.nz).gov
- BDM123 - Application to register a name change (aged 15 and under)(govt.nz).gov
- BDM121 - Application to register a name change (aged 16 and 17)(govt.nz).gov
- Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995 - Application for registration of name change(legislation.govt.nz).gov
- Department of Internal Affairs - Births, Deaths and Marriages(dia.govt.nz).gov