Name Change Application (New Zealand)
Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995
NAME CHANGE APPLICATION — NEW ZEALAND
Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995
Date: [Application Date]
To: Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM)
Department of Internal Affairs New Zealand
PO Box 10526, Wellington 6143, New Zealand
1. Current Name and Personal Details
Current full legal name: [Current First Name] [Current Last Name]
Date of birth: [Date of Birth]
Place of birth: [Place of Birth]
Current residential address: [Current Address], [Applicant Region], New Zealand
Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]
2. Requested New Name
I apply to have my name changed as follows:
New first name(s): [New First Name]
New surname: [New Last Name]
Scope of change: [Name Change Scope]
3. Reason for Name Change
Reason: [Reason For Change]
[Reason Details]
4. Application Type
This application is for: [Applicant Type]
Both parents / guardians have consented (if child application): [Parent/Guardian Consent]
5. Supporting Documents Attached
The following documents are attached in support of this application:
Identity documents: [Identity Document]
Additional documents: [Additional Documents]
6. Declaration
I, [Current First Name] [Current Last Name], declare that the information provided in this application is true and correct, that I am the person named above, and that I am applying to change my name in accordance with the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995.
Signature: ___________________________
Full name: [Current First Name] [Current Last Name]
Date: [Application Date]
Applicant
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Name Change Application (New Zealand)?
A Name Change Application in New Zealand records a change in a person's legal name or family status and the consents required, consistent with the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017.
The BDMRRA 1995 is the primary legislation governing the registration of births, deaths, marriages, civil unions, name changes, and other life events in New Zealand. Under the Act, adults aged 18 and over have a general right to change their registered name without needing to provide a specific reason. The Act also permits parents and guardians to apply for name changes on behalf of children, subject to the consent requirements under the Care of Children Act 2004.
A name change registration is different from simply using a different name informally. While New Zealand law does not prevent a person from using a different name in everyday life (this is known as using an assumed name or an alias), a formal name change registration with BDM updates the official state records and provides a legal basis for updating all other official documents — including a passport, driver licence, and tax records.
The name change process in New Zealand is administered by Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM), which is part of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Applications can be submitted online through the SmartStart platform at smartstart.services.govt.nz or at dia.govt.nz/bdm, or by post to BDM at PO Box 10526, Wellington 6143, New Zealand. The application fee is NZD $33.
For Māori New Zealanders, BDM specifically supports the registration of te reo Māori names including the use of macrons (tohutō), which are now fully supported in BDM's systems. Reclaiming or adopting a Māori name is a recognised and valued reason for a name change, reflecting the cultural identity rights of tangata whenua and the broader recognition of Māori language and identity in New Zealand law and society.
For persons changing their name as part of gender affirmation, BDM processes name changes under the BDMRRA 1995 and also manages applications for changes to recorded sex marker under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995 as amended by the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Amendment Act 2021, which allows individuals to change their registered sex by self-declaration.
When Do You Need a Name Change Application (New Zealand)?
A Name Change Application is needed in New Zealand in a range of circumstances where a person wishes to formally change their registered name.
The most common reasons for a name change application in New Zealand include the following.
Marriage or civil union: While marriage and civil union do not automatically change a person's name in New Zealand, many people choose to change their surname following marriage or civil union. In this case, a name change application to BDM is the formal mechanism for changing the registered name. Alternatively, some people simply update documents using their marriage or civil union certificate, but a formal name change registration provides a more thorough legal basis.
Separation or divorce: A person who changed their name on marriage may wish to revert to their birth name or a previous name following separation or divorce. A BDM name change application is the formal process for doing this.
Cultural and Māori identity: Many New Zealanders of Māori, Pasifika, or other cultural backgrounds choose to adopt or reclaim their cultural name. BDM fully supports te reo Māori names including macrons, and a name change application can be made to register a Māori name formally.
Gender affirmation: Transgender and non-binary New Zealanders frequently apply to change their name and registered sex as part of their gender affirmation journey. BDM handles both name changes and sex marker changes.
Personal preference: Adults in New Zealand can change their name for any personal reason without needing justification. A dislike of the current name, a wish to use a name used informally for years, or simply a desire for a fresh start are all acceptable reasons.
Child's name change: Parents or guardians may apply to change a child's name, for example to reflect a change in family circumstances, to reconnect with cultural identity, or to correct an error in registration.
What to Include in Your Name Change Application (New Zealand)
A New Zealand Name Change Application to BDM should include the following key elements to confirm the application is processed efficiently.
Applicant's current full legal name: The application must state the applicant's current registered legal name exactly as it appears on their birth certificate or most recent identity documents. Any discrepancy between the stated name and the official records will delay processing.
Date and place of birth: BDM requires the applicant's date and place of birth to locate the correct registration records.
Current address and contact details: A current New Zealand residential address, phone number, and email address are required for BDM to correspond with the applicant regarding the application.
Requested new name: The application must clearly state the new name being requested, specifying which part of the name is being changed (first name, middle name, surname, or all). The new name must comply with BDM's naming guidelines — it must be a recognisable personal name and must not cause offence to a reasonable person.
Reason for change: While not legally required, providing a clear reason (such as marriage, cultural identity, gender affirmation, or personal preference) assists BDM in processing the application and may be relevant if BDM has questions.
Application type: The application must indicate whether it is for an adult applying for themselves, or a parent or guardian applying for a child. For a child's name change, evidence of all guardians' consent or a Family Court order is required.
Supporting documents: The application must be accompanied by certified copies of the applicant's current birth certificate and a current photo identity document. For a child's name change, birth certificate and guardianship documentation are required.
Application fee: The current BDM fee of NZD $33 must be paid. Payment methods are specified by BDM and may include online payment or cheque.
Declaration: The applicant must sign the application declaration confirming that the information provided is true and correct. The forms-legal.com Name Change Application (New Zealand) provides a ready-to-use template that meets New Zealand legal requirements.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Name Change Application (New Zealand) (New Zealand) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/family/name-change-form-new-zealand
"Name Change Application (New Zealand) (New Zealand)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/family/name-change-form-new-zealand.
@misc{formslegal-name-change-form-new-zealand,
author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Name Change Application (New Zealand) (New Zealand)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/family/name-change-form-new-zealand}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
In New Zealand, adults aged 18 and over can change their registered name by applying to Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM), a division of the Department of Internal Affairs. The process involves completing an application either online at smartstart.services.govt.nz or dia.govt.nz/bdm, or by submitting a paper application by post to BDM at PO Box 10526, Wellington 6143. You must provide certified copies of your current birth certificate and a current photo identity document (such as a New Zealand passport or driver licence). The application fee is NZD $33, payable online or by cheque. You do not need to provide a specific reason for the name change — adults have a general right to change their name under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995. Processing times vary but are typically two to four weeks. Once approved, BDM will issue a new birth certificate showing your new name. You should then update your other identity documents including your passport (Department of Internal Affairs), driver licence (NZTA), and other records.
Yes, parents or guardians can apply to change a child's name in New Zealand. Under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995 (BDMRRA 1995), a parent or guardian may apply to change a child's registered name. However, because under the Care of Children Act 2004 (COCA 2004) all guardians of a child have a say in important decisions about the child — including their name — all guardians must generally consent to the name change. If both parents or guardians agree, the application can proceed jointly. If one parent or guardian does not consent, the applying parent may need to apply to the Family Court for an order authorising the name change. The Family Court will consider the best interests of the child under section 4 of COCA 2004 in determining whether to grant the order. BDM requires evidence of both guardians' consent, or a Family Court order, before registering a child's name change. The application fee for a child's name change is the same as for adults — NZD $33.
Yes, BDM has the discretion to decline to register certain names under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995. BDM may decline a name that would cause offence to a reasonable person, is excessively long (BDM applies an informal limit of around 100 characters), is not a name (for example, a number, symbol, or phrase rather than a personal name), or is impractical to use as a name. BDM has previously declined names that incorporate numbers, symbols, or titles (such as Judge or Doctor). Te reo Māori names and macrons are accepted and encouraged — BDM systems support the use of macrons (tohutō) in Māori names. Pasifika names and names from other cultures and languages are also accepted. If BDM declines your application due to the name chosen, you can select an alternative name and reapply. There is no requirement to use a name that reflects your cultural or ethnic background, and you can change your name to virtually any personal name that meets BDM's requirements.
After your name change is registered with BDM and you receive your new birth certificate, you should update your name on a wide range of documents and records. Priority documents to update include: your New Zealand passport (apply to the Department of Internal Affairs at passports.govt.nz); your New Zealand driver licence (apply to NZTA at nzta.govt.nz); your Inland Revenue (IRD) records (update at ird.govt.nz); your electoral roll registration (update at vote.nz); your KiwiSaver provider; your bank accounts and credit cards; your insurance policies; your employer's HR records; your professional licensing body or registration (e.g. Teaching Council, Law Society, Medical Council); your ACC records; Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) if applicable; your local council (for rates and electoral roll); your health providers; your subscriptions and memberships. Changing your name also triggers an update requirement for your voter registration under the Electoral Act 1993. Some organisations — particularly government agencies — will require a certified copy of your new birth certificate or a certified copy of the BDM name change registration as evidence.
A Name Change Application (New Zealand) does not legally require a lawyer in New Zealand, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. The Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 does not mandate legal representation for the creation or signing of this type of document. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified New Zealand lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The High Court of New Zealand has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Companies Office may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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