If you are using, or wish to use, a name other than your registered name, there is no legal requirement that you formally change your name. It is, however, recommended that you change your name officially, both for identification and as evidence of your name change.

It may be an offence to use another name in order to avoid legal responsibilities or for fraudulent purposes.

How do I apply to register a change of name?

Any person over the age of 18 whose birth is registered in Western Australia or who ordinarily lives in Western Australia can apply to change their name. To do this, you need to apply to the WA Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages on 1300 305 021. It is located at Level 10 141 St. George's Terrace Perth WA 6000.

There is a form called an 'Application to Register Change of Name' which you must fill in. For more details, visit Births Deaths and Marriages at the Department of the Attorney General's website.

Can I have my change of name noted on my birth record?

If you have changed your name by an 'Application to Register Change of Name' and if you were born in Western Australia, you can apply to the registrar to have the name on your birth record changed also.

What effect does marriage have on my name?

You are not legally required to change your family name (surname). If you want to you can:

• use your spouse's family name on marriage  
• combine family names with your spouse  
• return to your family name at birth or after adoption after getting divorced or separated
• use a former married name
• return to a previous legal name that has been formally registered

You do not need to register a formal change of name if the change falls within one of the above categories. Your marriage certificate is sufficient proof of your change of name and there may be times when you will also need to produce your birth certificate as proof.

If you decide to change your name after marriage, married couples and their children under 18 years of age may apply on one form.

Your marriage record will only show your name at the time of marriage. It will not record your name after marriage.

What if I am in a de facto relationship?

De facto couples (whether of different or same sex) and their children under 18 may apply on one form to register a change of name. Evidence of de facto relationship must be provided.

Can I change the name of a child?

It is possible to apply to change a child's name in a similar way to changing an adult's name, but both parents usually have to agree and sign the papers. A child over 12 years of age must agree to the new name, unless they do not understand what the change means.

Where both parents do not agree to a name change, a Family Court order stating that it is in the child's best interests to have their name changed must be obtained before the Registry can register a change of name for the child.

Where a court order has been obtained, it must be sent in with the application to the registrar for the name of the child to be changed.

For more information, see Changing a child's name.

In certain circumstances the definition of parent will now include the same sex partner in a de facto relationship. This occurs as a result of changes to the Adoption Act 1994 (WA) and the Artificial Conception Act 1985 (WA).

For more information on the changes, go to the Equality Rules website.

If you are under 18 and want to find out how to change your name, visit the Lawstuff website.

Where can I get more information?

• For more information on changing your name or the name of a child go to Births Deaths and Marriages at the Department of the Attorney General's website and select Change of name.